Betting on dance: PAGCOR stages Tara Byahe Tayo

MANILA, Philippines — All steps lead to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) this Friday evening, Nov. 9, as PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corp.) presents Dances of the World, Tara Byahe Tayo — a dance musical featuring diverse dances of different countries as interpreted by PAGCOR employees from the corporate offices, Casino Filipino branches and the Satellite Operations Group. In effect, there are 10 competing groups, hailing from Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, Tagaytay and Manila.

The production numbers from different provinces of the Philippines are highly professional, involved great costumes, lighting and even video segments and aids — and totally worthy of being showcased abroad as cultural presentations. That’s how rehearsed, polished and serious this competition gets — with the winning group heading home with P200,000, a trophy and certificate, while the first runner-up and second runner-up take P150,000 and P100,000, respectively.

Leading the press event for Dances of the World were PAGCOR chairperson and CEO Andrea Domingo, and CCP president Arsenio Lizaso. Also present at the podium were lawyer Lizette Mortel (PAGCOR VP for Executive Programs) and Bong Quintana (PAGCOR AVP for Entertainment). Domingo demurred about her being a participant on stage this year. It’s a known fact the she actively competes in Dancesport, and would feel right at home in any of the production numbers being prepared for this Friday. As she was proud to say, with Nick concurring, Dancesport is what keeps her young as it’s an activity that engages both mind and body, and is a great stress-reliever.

Prepare to be astounded as the dance numbers are very physical, when appropriate involving sports and martial arts that belong to the particular country being showcased. From Mexico, there’s the Jarabe or Mexican Hot Dance, a courtship ritual; and Thailand, a medley of dances ranging from masked dances to kickboxing rituals. From China, Wushu, Dai and Lion dances, along with Folk dances. And from Argentina, the Tango, Malambo and Boleadoras, a dance involving bolas (a projectile weapon).

France, Polynesia, Brazil, South Africa, India and the US are participating. The Philippines would be represented; but this time, via a very special out-of-competition dance number with surprise guests.

Apart from the dance musical, there will also be a raffle draw for the audience and guests, with prizes including a brand-new Toyota Innova and cash.

The sourcing of funds for the annual dance musical does not involve PAGCOR monies earmarked for national development and charities. Rather, it comes from a fund that could have been used by the employees individually, but have been pooled voluntarily to make this event happen, with the CCP getting involved in a big way by providing the venue and technical assistance.

As for the money raised by the night, it goes directly to a scholarship fund for the college education of the children of PAGCOR’s rank and file, as well as financing “scholars” who may not be directly related to PAGCOR. As long as they prove they are hardship cases, and have shown extraordinary talent and/or intelligence, they can apply for these scholarships.