Skip to main content

Maglasig-lasig kitabi! (Pesta lgal 2016): Celebrating Sama-Bajau Music and Dance

The Pesta lgal concert series returns to the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium stage, University of the Philippines Diliman on 22 October 2016. This year’s theme is Maglasig—lasig kitabi! (Let us all celebrate together!). The concert enjoins audiences to partake of the rich performance traditions of the Sama-Bajau people of the Southern Philippines.




This rare festival-concert features igal and pansak dance pieces and kulintangan ensemble music pieces from four Sama-Bajau performing groups from Semporna, Malaysia; Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Apalit, Pampanga; and, San Andres, Manila. lgal and pansak are two dance labels used by Sama-Bajau groups to refer to their traditional dances. These dance forms are characterized by fluid and graceful arm movements that evoke the swaying of palm fronds, the drifting of see grasses, and the curling of the waters of the ebbing and flowing tides reflecting the marine environment of its birth place. The kulintangan ensemble (aka tagunggo‘an ensemble) is composed of a kulintangan instrument, which is basically a set of graduated knobbed gongs; a tambul, which is an indigenized version of the Spanish martial drum; and one, two or three hanging gongs. The interlocking rhythmic patterns of kulintangan ensemble music have been noted as one of the most complex and sophisticated expressions in the region of maritime Southeast Asia.

Dean Macrina H. Morados of the UP Institute of Islamic studies says that “the Pesta lgal series has provided an avenue forthe development and transformation of positive discourses relating to bangsamoro culture in the country. I realize that presenting our cultural traditions can be an effective way to promote understanding among peoples of different cultures. As a space of convivial celebration, it undoubtedly contributes to achieving peaceful co-existence…” (Humanities Diliman, 2015, Vol. 12, No.2, 180-190).

Spearheading the cultural event is the Bunga Arts Link (BAL) under the artistic direction of Dr. MCM Santamaria of the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. BAL is a group composed mostly of non Sama-Bajau researchers, writers, dancers and musicians engaged inthe study of the igal dance tradition and in the production of contemporary choreographic creations.

Funds raised from the concert will be used to buy kulintangan instruments for Sama-Bajau communities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The BAL has so far donated musical instruments to Sama-Bajau communities in Apalit, Pampanga; Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Dauis, Bohol, and San Andres, Manila.

The event is produced by the Bunga Arts Link, the University of the Philippines Asian Center, and Geochris Foundation Inc. For sponsorship and tickets, please contact Ms. Luna Fojas (0917-853-4009). 22 October 2016, Matinee: 2:00 pm, Evening Performance: 6:00 pm.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Herbal Medicines: Boon or Bane?

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently warned the public of three “voodoo” anti-cancer products by the name of Aro Baro Churo Organic Tea, Aro Guyabano Tea, and Aro Baro Churo Guyabano Capsules. These products are not registered with FDA either as herbal medicines or food supplements. DOH-FDA Advisory No. 2013-004, stated that these products are now distributed throughout the country with boasts that they are 100,000 times stronger than chemotherapy and that they contain Adriamycin that can kill cancer cells, among other claims. Acting on the issue, the FDA with the help of local government units implemented measures such as strict monitoring and on the spot inspections to remove these products from the market nationwide. Unfortunately, this incident is just one of the several instances when herbal products are sold without FDA approval or with sales talks not consistent with the FDA approval. Since many popular health products in the market are registered wit

Avoid these drugs when you have dengue

October 30, 2020 It’s raining here in the Philippines. Dengue is probably lurking around! Dengue is a disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female mosquito called Aedes aegypti and other species such as Aedes albopictus. It is common in tropical countries like the Philippines, and has become one of the fastest growing mosquito-borne diseases in the world. The most common symptom of dengue is fever that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, rash, and pains, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone. From the latest data of the Department of Health (DOH), it is reported that from January to August 2019, there were a total of 271,480 dengue cases nationwide. This is 95% higher compared to the same period in 2018. Majority of cases in the country are said to come from Regions VI, IV-A, X, III, and National Capital Region (NCR). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no specific medication for dengue fever. Patients are advised to seek medical at

How to spot fake medicines during COVID-19 pandemic

August 3, 2020 The COVID-19 crisis has fueled the surge of not only fake face masks and other medical products related to the pandemic but also counterfeit medicines, especially those over-the-counter (OTC) or sold without prescription. As COVID-19 cases continue to increase globally, so are the counterfeiters who are exploiting the growing gaps in the market. Recently, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory against the purchase and use of counterfeit drugs. A counterfeit drug is a fake drug. Counterfeit drugs are those with the wrong or contaminated ingredients, with the correct ingredients but wrong amounts, or without the active ingredients. They can also be mislabeled, and can apply to both generic and branded products. In addition, they are not registered with the FDA and did not go through validation and standard tests to confirm their quality, safety, and efficacy. Selling or offering for sale of such is a violation of R.A. 8203 and FD