Kids in spiky hairdos and anime makeup take over the Pasinaya

MANILA, Philippines - Every year, as early as March, the various functions rooms of Bel-Air’s barangay hall become the site of many rehearsals for the yearly Pasinaya. The showcase features the residents of the community in a variety show that revolves around various themes and motifs. The result is a show that makes up in bravura and esprit de corps what it may lack in terpsichorean skills..

For a while the show was made up of the expected ballroom and Filipiniana numbers favored by the — uhm — seniors. But starting last year, a change has come over this most-loved of Bel-Air institutions. There are more hip-hop, funk, interpretative and jazz numbers. Which means one thing: Bel-Airs kids, teens and young adults are slowly taking over the Pasinaya and making it their own.

 Last year, for example, numbers like “Speed” had the young men dancing with basketballs, roller blades and mountain bikes while the young matrons and their teen-aged girls camped up with Beyonce’s Single Ladies. This year, the kids are doing a take on Japanese and Korean anime complete with spiky hairdos and outré makeup, while the teens are dancing to the latest hit tunes. The show’s opener, “The Nicest Kids in Town” from the musical Hairspray says it all about the Pasinaya’s new identity. As does the title “Kulay Bel-Air:Bagong Simula.” 

Francine Esmilla is at 17, a Pasinaya veteran. “I never thought that it was a corny event. It’s unique and original. And it gives me so much to look forward to during the summer, bonding with old friends and making new ones.”

Andro Torres, 20, had his first Pasinaya experience dancing the Maglalatik. “Before I joined the Pasinaya, I did feel that it was …well…corny. Then during the rehearsals for maglalatik, I realized the event was worth practicing for. During the practices, we get to relate to everyone, older and younger, especially during dinner. New friends we make every year are associated with the Pasinaya experience.”

Dre Turingan, 17, isn’t bothered by the fact that the yearly show has to have a mix of numbers that both young and old can participate in. “I don’t know about younger and trendier. Maybe the Pasinaya isn’t really supposed to be about trends, because then only our age group will get to dance. What the Pasinaya is really about is giving the community and the participants a show they’ll never forget.”

Samantha Lichauco began dancing at the insistence of her Lola Nene Lichauco, former barangay captain. She’s since become one of the youthful veterans of the show. What changes does she see happening? “Same show! Same in the sense that both young and old are going to perform. That’s the secret of the Pasinaya’s success, I think. The show is about everyone, no stars, no bida. The competition between the groups is friendly.”

Dre agrees, “What I envision for the Pasinaya is what I see now. An event where everyone, even our household helpers, can enjoy and have fun. It’s a tradition that very close to our hearts. The numbers may change with the times, but then it will always be a mix of young and old. That’s what makes it a tradition.”

“Honestly,” adds Andro. “I don’t feel that the show is getting younger and trendier. But that’s what I like about the Pasinaya. It allows us to connect with villagers of all ages. I do envision the youth of the village getting more involved. Especially in the choices of the show’s content.”

When that happens, as it is slowly happening, the youth of Bel-Air will have put their mark on the tradition and made it their own. “Every year,” says Francine, “I see the people I grew up with and the people who’ve watched me grow up. Bel-Air isn’t just a community. It’s a family. Joining is a way of giving back to the community and making us better individuals.”

 With this year’s show, it isn’t just the program that’s changing. Even the traditional bazaar that sprouts around the covered court is getting a facelift with a trade show concept and a new lineup of exhibitors, care of exhibit organizer and Bel-Air resident, Adel Majaba.

“There will always be something new about the Pasinaya,” says Andro,” but the more it changes, the more it should stay the same.”

The Pasinaya takes place from April 23 to 25 at the Bel-Air covered court, with the big show as the festival finale on April 25 at 7 p.m.