NVSU groovers attend multi-sectoral Echo Folk Dance Workshop

Photo by Nathaniel A. Aliguyon

NVSU groovers attend multi-sectoral Echo Folk Dance Workshop

By Nathaniel A. Aliguyon Date Posted November 30, 2024

To support the preservation of cultural heritage and enhancement of skills in teaching and performing Philippine folk dances, the Philippine Folk Dance Society (PFDS) Nueva Vizcaya Local Chapter launched the two-day Echo Folk Dance Workshop at the Bayombong Local Government Unit (LGU) Gymnasium, November 29-30, 2024.

The workshop, which created an opportunity for artistic performances and physical fitness enhancement, attracted 165 participants, including Physical Education teachers, students, choreographers, and dance groups from public and private institutions within and outside the province of Nueva Vizcaya.

In support to the initiative, the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) delegation comprising 11 teachers and 121 students from both of its campuses attended in their capacity as participants and presenter through Mr. Benjie Calaramo Jr. who is the current PFDS-NV president.

Among the basic and higher education institutions and dance groups that showed interest included Aldersgate College (AC), Saint Mary’s University-Senior High School (SMU-SHS), and Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School (NVGCHS), Ari-Tau Folkloric Society Inc., Ayug Ken Tignay, HOPES, Alagad ng Sining at Kultura, Guild of Performing Artists-Dance Troupe and Rondalla.

During the opening day, Dr. Mila R. Ancheta, PFDS adviser and consultant, engaged the participants in a session on the fundamental positions and movements of Philippine folk dance. PFDS President Benjie T. Calaramo, Jr. presented Salakban and Los Bailes de San Antonio. Secretary Dana Mari Jafna M. Tubaran showcased Maral Dad Libun, while the Guild of Performing Artists and Bingao National High School performed Pandango Ariquenquen.

In welcoming the dance enthusiasts to the workshop, Associate Professor Fermila D. Cauilan, NVSU Culture and the Arts Director, encouraged the participants to maximize the learning opportunity and expressed her full support for the entire initiative which aimed at contributing cultural transmission and promotion. "We are all urged to embrace training opportunities, not as obligations, but as investments in our own personal growth and professional empowerment."

Folk dances hold a special place in the Filipino cultural heritage as they serve as vessels of traditional values, customs, and identities.

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