Written by Sidney Lampayan
On June 2, 2022, the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) held a workshop focused on folk dance. The workshop, called Pangita, Surat, at Lika, was held at PHSA’s second campus at Bay, Laguna. It was led and facilitated by members of Sanghiyas Pangkat Mananayaw (SPM).
“Yung purpose ng workshop is ipakita namin ang final work namin which is yung Creative Dance,” explained Cherwin Bautista, Grade 9 Folk Dance Major and one of the facilitators of the event. “Of course in-explain namin paano namin napili yung dance, ano yung mga resources namin para mag-come up sa dance na yun and ano yung uniqueness nito sa other folk dances.”
The participants were divided into three groups, each led by a member of SPM. These were Baraylehan Kan Suanoy led by Angela Benzon, Asimwa led by Cherwin Bautista, and Pinagtong Ulanon led by Ryu Cahilig. Before the workshop proper, each leader was able to explain and introduce their dances and groups.
Guest appearances also occurred, from Rodel Fonda, a renowned dancer and the Secretary of the National Committee on Dance from the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA). SPM alumni also showed up to aid in the workshop.
“Super saya ng experience kasi kahit one week lang ang nilaan, very memorable siya for me. For almost two years na nating nakakulong sa bahay, I’m very thankful na nakasayaw ako with Sanghiyas and other scholar dancers like us,” Bautista added.
He also mentioned that it provided them the opportunity to meet with other students – something that was unavailable previously due to the pandemic lockdowns.
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