National Dance Workshop in Dagupan

CEBU, Philippines - The 34th National Folk Dance Workshop of the Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Katutubong Sayaw ng Pilipinas (Philippine Folk Dance Society) this year was held at the Jimmy L. Fernandez Center Stadia in Balon, Dagupan City, Pangasinan on May 19-23.

This year, 35 delegates from Central Visayas joined the workshop. The Philippine Folk Dance Society Cebu Province Chapter was well represented by its officers. A total of more than 500 participants hailing from the different regions of the country joined the workshop.

This year, 12 dances were introduced to include three newly researched dances such as the "Kuyayang," a rural dance from Bogo, Cebu, "Maguigguinocan" from Cagayan, and "Pinga-Pinga" from Negros Occidental. There was also a forum on Philippine Traditional Dance Forms and Costumes for Philippine Folk Dances.

The Local Chapters' Night saw the winners of the annual Folk Dance competition with Panay Chapter (Libad dance) in third place, Irong-Irong Dance Company Ilo-Ilo Chapter (Jota Moncadena dance) finishing second, and Bulacan Chapter showcasing their very own Desposorio wedding dance grabbing the plum prize. Irong-Irong Dance Company was undefeated for three consecutive years until now.

For most of the participants, the scheduled city tour was a delightful treat. Other participants opted for a two-hour ride towards the sandy beaches of the Hundred Islands in Alaminos. Others went on a brief trip to Baguio, since it was just an hour and half away from Dagupan.

The whole experience was both entertaining and educational. Kudos to all the officers of STKSP (PFDS) headed by President Josefina Guillen (Cultural Center of the Philippines) and outgoing President Dr. Larry Gabao (Philippine Normal University). Special thanks to Mrs. Mila Ancheta (Isabela), Mr. Edwin Masangkay (Aklan), Mr. Aquilino Ed Santos (Manila), Mr. Antonio Lee (Aklan), Mr. Franco Velas (Polytechnic University) and Mr. Rodel Fronda (Bulacan). (FREEMAN)