JEDDAH, 21 June — There’s something worth seeing at the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah early tonight.
Various groups will be presenting Filipino songs and dances on the culmination of Philippine Independence Day activities in this great city.
With the theme “Glimpses of Philippine Culture Through Folk Music And Dance,” the event will feature a three-part presentation.
First is the “Mindanao Mosaic” featuring a representation of some of the songs and folkdances of ethnic groups in the southern Philippines. Next comes the “Echoes of Spain,” which shows Philippine ethnic dances largely of Spanish influence.
“Nayon,” the third part, will feature contemporary dances and songs.
The event was choreographed by Vic Teves, a former member of the Philippine Bayanihan Dance Troupe and Pangkat Kawayan (Philippine Bamboo Organ).
Participating in the presentation are students and teachers of the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ), the Boholano Community Group, United Maguindanao Expatriates Association (UMEA), Batangas Brotherhood Inc. (BBI), the GACA group, Bag-ong Bicol Saro nin Jeddah (BBSJ) cultural dance troupe, and other community groups.
Consul General Kadatuan P. Usop is to deliver a welcome address during the program, scheduled at 7 p.m.
Earlier in the day, children are expected to participate in a Quiz Bee sponsored by the Kasapi, to be handled by Maisa chairman Rudy Dianalan. The champions in the men and women volleyball tournaments will also be known today.
The cultural presentation is chaired by the BBSJ’s through its new president, Evelyn P. Santos, in cooperation with the Kasapi Congress and the Consulate.
Santos said parents are especially invited to bring their children to see the event so that they can appreciate their own cultural heritage. “One show may not be enough to tell everything about our history as a people and our cultural heritage but it could serve as an eye-opener to our children,” she told Arab News.
Santos said even the stage to be used for the show, like the stages used in the past, have a story to tell. It tells what could be done when community members help each other.
Playing a key role in making the stage were members of the Association of Filipino Civil Engineers — KSA led by Romy Bani and members of the graphics artists’ group led by Greg Quimos.
