Dinagat / Bakasi: Festival workshop

Cordova, reflecting Cebu’s rich tradition by exemplifying itself as vanguard of the cultural arts through establishing a festival depicting its fishing industry and environmental awareness, particularly marine life, has made it seep into the hearts and minds of its people. This inspired a new team to continue and pursue the practice for its upcoming feast celebration this month.

Leading the Dinagat/Bakasi Festival Workshop this year is resident choreographer/teacher Ronnie Bentulan, assisted by resource speakers Ceasar Nimor—Biology Department, University of Cebu, and Rudy Aviles (UC). The workshop was attended by a number of choreographers hailing mostly from the locality and some invited ones who were encouraged to join the competition.

Enhancing this year’s festival, six basic steps have been meticulously re-introduced among the participants, together with the basic beat and insights on dance choreography and costuming.

What is noticeable in this festival is that only the use of indigenous instruments is allowed - no brass bugles. Hence, many performances shall be using a minimum of musical melodies, although it brings some form of a niche against other existing festivals of Cebu province.

The final showdown for Dinagat/Bakasi will be judged according to choreography, production design, musical instrumentation, and visual impact.

As the jingle goes: “Dinagat, Dinagat, Kapistahan, Saksihan, Duyogan, Kasaulogan!” - a festive cry celebrating life and religion. This is the merry sentiment of Cordova’s people.

Good luck.