Goodbye Sandy, welcome Bayanihan

The world-renowned Philippine dance troupe Bayanihan offered New York City a bright ray of hope with its vibrant and ethereal presentation on Nov. 1 before a large audience still reeling from the massive devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy earlier that week.

 

The much celebrated national folk dance company of the Philippines pushed through with its scheduled performance called “Philippinescape” at The Allen Room of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in Manhattan as a number of cultural and social events in the city were either cancelled or postponed, including the New York City Marathon which was called off at the last minute, in the aftermath of Sandy.

 

Among those who gave Bayanihan a thunderous standing ovation was Philippine ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia, Jr., with his wife Vicky.

 

The envoy bade Sandy “goodbye” as he officially “welcomed” the Bayanihan dancers.

 

“What makes this performance particularly memorable is that it took place while Filipinos in various parts of the East Coast were performing their own acts of bayanihan to help each other rise on their feet,” Cuisia noted.

 

Also cheering in the audience were Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. and wife Eleanor, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Ambassador Eduardo Jose de Vega and wife Deputy Consul General Tess Dizon-de Vega; Ambassador John Maisto, president of US Philippines Society; NYC Deputy Police Commissioner David Cohen; Fil-Am political and business leader Loida Nicolas Lewis; business icon and philanthropist Washington Sycip; entrepreneur and philanthropist Lin Ilusorio-Bildner of the Albert and Lin Bildner Foundation; and a host of respected figures in the Fil-Am community.

 

The two-hour repertoire was divided into six major suites of dances that reflect facets of the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of the Philippine islands:

 

I. “People Under the Sun” highlights the friendly, sunny nature of the Filipinos captured in Pandanggo Oasiwas, Maglalatik, Sa Kabukiran, Subli, Bahay Kubo, Bangko and Tinikling;

 

II. “Mindanao Mosaic” features Filipinos who embraced Islam as early as the 14th century with their dances and costumes depicted in Kappagonor, Linggisan, Ceremonial Prenuptial, Paunjalay, Kazilimut-Malong, Kuntao and Vinta Singkil;

 

III. “Intramuros of Memory” echoes four centuries of Spanish influence augmented by Filipino style and grace typified in Cancion, En la Luneta, Bravo Caviteno, Habanera de Dilao and El Cani;

 

IV. “Traditions Renewed” presents dances that reinvigorate feelings into ancient rituals and traditions in Mindanao through Tanggongo, Tiruray,Tahau and Bagobo Tiboli;

 

V. “Amorsolo” is a tribute to the first national artist of the Philippines as it reflects scenes of Fernando Amorsolo’s paintings with Dalagang Bukid, Home from the Market, Ang Tindera ng Mangga, Woman With A Water Jug, and Portrait of a Woman With Flowers; VI. “Fiesta Extravaganza” (finale) showcases the Filipinos’ love for thanksgiving fiestas and celebrations for  bountiful harvest.

 

“Bayanihan exceeded all my expectations,” gushed Dr. Angie Cruz, a community and spiritual leader.

 

“Bayanihan has always been very good but I didn’t know they could still add twists to their repertoire and present it as something new and fresh.”

 

“Simply magnificent,” remarked Leonora De Gulas-Harington, a Pinay-French, who is a frequent New York visitor.

 

“I was able to appreciate the Philippines better in terms of its rich art and culture. And for a while, I managed to forget the damages left by Hurricane Sandy.”

 

Consul Zaldy Patron said it was a “unique, excellent show” that is “totally different” from what Americans normally see.

 

“It was a welcome and beautiful presentation especially in light of the recent super storm,” said Patron, who came with his wife Sheila.

 

“The production was revealing that it gave the audience a wonderful glimpse of the Philippine culture and even history.”

 

“Bayanihan’s artistic excellence is known all over the world,” added de Leon.

 

“The dance company has always been a model for Philippine cultural presentations rooted in scholarly research and authenticity that continue to enchant, excite and engage audiences worldwide.”

 

The 55-year-old company was only two years old when it made its Broadway debut on Oct. 13, 1959 at the Winter Garden Theater (where the hit musical “Mama Mia” is currently staged), and received the unanimous acclaim of New York critics.

 

Since then, it kept coming back to the U.S. shores to dazzle.

 

The latest presentation was made possible by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., the US Philippines Society, and the Philippine Consulate General in New York.

 

After the Big Apple, Bayanihan also mounted two shows (Nov. 3 and 4) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and likewise received warm reception. - Filipino Reporter