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| 'Danggayan' was presented with lots of fun, color and innovative props |
A vibrant and colorful staging of Danggayan Festival by the La Union Federation of Hong Kong (LUFOH) won the grand prize of HK$10,000 in the Philippine Festival Dance Competition held Sunday on Chater Road, to mark the 128th Philippine Independence Day and the Filipino Migrant Workers Day.
Danggayan
is an annual celebration held in the month of May in San Juan, La Union, to
honor the town’s cultural heritage and its reputation as the surfing capital of
the northern Philippines. The festival showcases traditional Ilocano practices,
crafts and delicacies.
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| PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE |
LUFOH’s
depiction had many entertaining props, like fish in nets and umbrellas swaying
like the waves by the province’s famous seashore. The presentation also included
dancers from DOMO HK and UMELA (United Migrants Entrepreneurship and Livelihood
Association).
A video of their presentation by Ve ron is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14f1CERe8Kf/
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| Áni' dancers 'had the best costumes'and told the best story |
In
second place was the Federation of Luzon Active Groups (FLAG) with its lively
and colorful depiction of the “Ani” Festival, a yearly celebration in the
Ilocos Region, particularly in the town of Dingras.
Choreographed
by longtime Filipino community leader, dancer and show producer Lee Ahn Mas,
the tableau-like production had all the components and symbols of celebrating a
bountiful “ani”or harvest, from farmers jumping for joy to women dancing to
their patron saint in thanksgiving.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
FLAG won a cash prize of $7,000 for its performance that drew audible gasps of pleasure and surprise from the audience.
Link to a video of their presentation is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CisDtJPHJ/
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| Devastation from a recent quake was an added twist to the 'Sinulog' presentation |
Taking the third slot was One Visayas for its favorite Sinulog Festival, known as the country’s grandest and most vibrant cultural and religious celebration. The Sinulog is held annually on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, with tens of thousands of people from various ages taking part.
Dancers
honor the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) with solemn
processions, street parties, and a rhythmic dance that follows a distinct beat
from the drums. But for the HK version, a notable twist was added, that of the devastating effects of the recent earthquake that rocked Cebu.
Seven
other groups that depicted festivals like Masskara (or masks) in Bacolod to the Panagbenga (season of
blooming) in Baguio City, each won the consolation prize of HK$1,000 each.
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| Unique and well-crafted masks were used in the 'Masskara' presentation |
Administrator
PY Caunan of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) which
sponsored the contest, awarded the prizes to the winners.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac who flew in from the Middle East for the occasion and headed back to Manila a few hours later, managed to get on stage for a few minutes to greet the mostly migrant worker-audience.
He also announced that a new shelter for distressed Filipino migrant workers has already been set up, and is just awaiting approval from the HK government.
