After a long hiatus, UP Filipiniana Dance Group (UP FDG) represented the Philippines at the 2024 Festivals Circuit of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF) in Italy.
The Philippine delegation was chosen to be one of the nine foreign delegates to participate in the event held from July 27 to Sept. 4. CIOFF is an international cultural non-governmental organization working alongside UNESCO to promote and preserve the rich heritage of traditional culture and folklore.
Peter Alcedo, the group’s artistic director since 2014, expressed how meaningful this participation was for them, sharing that it was the first time in more than 20 years that the UP FDG took part in a Europe tour.
“[W]e just kept working. We did not make pressure as the main driving force for us to create a good performance,” said Alcedo in an interview with Tinig ng Plaridel.
Despite their overflowing pride, the team faced significant hurdles as they prepared to showcase their talents before large audiences across Italy’s provinces.
Outward-bound
The journey to Italy was no easy feat for the Philippine delegation. Aside from a rigorous 6-month training, they needed to undergo the tedious process of securing their finances and travel requirements.
Out of 32 delegates, only 15, including their director, were able to secure their visas in time for their departure last July 26.
Knowing the countless preparations, time, and efforts the team have already invested, it was disheartening for Joyce Villanueva, the team captain of UP FDG, to know that she along with other members were left behind because of an unforeseen circumstance.
“Nasa gym kami, lahat kami hindi na alam, hindi na nagfu-function. Parang kwinestyon kung itutuloy pa ba kasi paano ka magco-come up sa one-hour show with that sobrang little [number] lang ng members,” said Villanueva.
The group had to scrap most of their original dance routines and create new versions to adjust to the smaller team present during the early junctures of the circuit.
“Noong nag-decide kami na aalis kami, ang question naman namin is ‘Anong dadalhin naming sayaw?’ kasi wala kaming sayaw na for 14 people lang. I had to consider the people who are leaving kung ano ‘yung pwede nilang sayawin,” said Alcedo.
While the first group was performing new dance pieces in Italy, the remaining delegates in the Philippines continued to process their travel requirements. The team was only able to pull off their dance performances as a complete unit after securing visas two weeks after their original departure date.
“‘Yung nakahabol na kami sa Castrovillari, ‘yun ‘yung, of course, pinakatumatak sa akin kasi ‘yun ‘yung moment na finally, sama-sama na kami. Sobrang grateful. Imagine, habang nagrereview [ng sayaw], nag-iiyakan kami. Ganun siya ka-memorable,” said Villanueva.
The Philippine delegation went and performed around Italy’s provinces including Moliterno, Cava De Tirreni, Castrovillari, Agrigento, Santa Teresa Di Riva, Naples, Anacapri, Rome, Anacapri, and Matelica.
Bringing a slice of home
As the dance troupe took the stage in every city in Italy, they brought with them three dance suites: Rural, Mindanao, and Northern. These suites highlight traditional dances from different regions of the Philippines, all focused on the unifying spirit of community.
Alcedo explained that the Northern suite comprises dances from various Indigenous communities: Ivatan, highlighting prehistoric tribal wars; Ata, centered on courtship between two couples; and Cordilleras, showcasing the Kalinga, Itneg, and Ibaloi communities.
Hyacinth Laniog, another representative of UP FDG to the festivals circuit, also shared that they had the opportunity to perform two dances the group’s members had researched themselves. One is Tadik, which she shared that FDG athletes Jennric Marciano and Keana Samson learned during a tour in Cagayan province in January.
“‘Yung Tadik kasi is a community dance focusing on a family. So, ‘yung mga steps nun, shinare nila sa group namin tapos ni-restage na ni Sir Peter [Alcedo]. So ‘yung dance na ginawa ni Sir Peter, restaged siya from the dances from the community,” said Laniog.
Alcedo also shared the elements of the Mindanao suite, composing dances of the Lumad communities involving pieces from the T’boli, Manobo, Cagayan, Maranao, and Tausug.
Aside from the dances from Northern and Mindanaoan regions, the group also showcased dance routines from the Rural suite. Also known as the Barrio suite, it consists of Wasiwas, Sayaw sa Bangko, Binasuan, Tinikling, Maglalatik, and Karatong.
“Sinayaw din namin ‘yung Planting Rice kasi sabi ko, almost the whole world shares the agriculture culture. So, let’s show them how we do it. Tuwang-tuwa naman sila, they actually appreciate the simple dances,” said Alcedo.
Beyond the dance floor
While bringing a slice of home to another country, the dance troupe also immersed themselves in the diverse cultures of other delegates in the festivals circuit. Kylle Visico, another member of the delegation, also expressed how their time in Italy transcended beyond the dance floor.
“Isa sa magandang highlight ng experiences namin ay kung paano kami minahal ng mga local doon. May mga sayaw kami na nire-request nila na sayawin kasama sila, parang ganun kalala ‘yung epekto ng dances namin sa kanila,” Visico said.
The group’s early setbacks did not stop UP FDG from fulfilling their goal to place a spotlight on the country’s heritage in the international stage. This is a testament to the troupe’s dedication to their craft, and they hoped that it inspired young Filipinos to take pride in how diverse and rich the country’s culture is.
Following their international stint, the team is now gearing up for the group’s upcoming events, such as a thanksgiving concert and the celebration of FDG’s 90th anniversary in 2025. The group also strives to amplify the prominence of Philippine folk dance by participating in more competitions and providing opportunities for aspiring dancers.
UP FDG also dedicated this milestone not only to their respective families, friends, and sponsors, but also to the Filipino community who has constantly fueled their dedication to pursue their passion for dancing.
Nakakaproud talaga na siyempre, na-showcase mo ‘yung sayaw ng Philippines and hindi lang ‘yung sayaw ‘yung pinapakita mo sa ibang bansa, pati ‘yung pag-uugali ng mga Pilipino na hospitable, na kayang [gumawa ng] meaningful bonds with other people,” Laniog said.
