The 33rd Philippine Folk Dance Society’s National Folk Dance Workshop

CEBU, Philippines - A year was worth the wait as the Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Katutubong Sayaw ng Pilipinas (Philippine Folk Dance Society) conducted its 33rd National Folk Dance Workshop at the Tanghalang Balagtas (Folk Arts Theater) last May 20 to 24, 2013.

Eleven dances were introduced to include Siaton; Negros Oriental’s “Inagta”, a merry worship dance participated by a group of five male dancers with special characterizations; Bulacan’s wedding ritual “Desposorio”; Ilocos Norte’s “Innalisan, a display of women’s conservative hand gestures; Marinduque’s social dance, grandiose “Aetana”; and Moncada, Tarlac’s “La Jota Moncade?a”. Special performances (tribal dances) were made on two different occasions by the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and Kaloob Philippine Music and Dance Ministry.

This year’s workshop stressed on dance research and its technicalities. Before dance researches were echoed to a new audience, these must first be presented to the key respondents for final approval. Such could only create the right information to the public. In the process, original dances could not be bastardized by many who may opt to choose spectacle over authenticity.

This year became a reality for the grand slam win of Panay/Ilo-ilo Chapter in the annual folk dance competition for their rendition of “Areuana”.

A new set of PFDS Officers were elected with Mrs. Josefina Guillen (CCP) as president, Rodel Fronda (Bulacan) – vp, Ed Santos (Manila) – secretary, Franco Velas (Manila) – treasurer. The Board was joined by the likes of Antonio Li and Edwin Masangcay (Aklan), Mila Ancheta (Isabela), Marilyn Manaloto (Masbate), Corazon Agustin (Mindanao), Noemi Belosillo (Manila) and Randyll Villones (NCR). (FREEMAN)