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By Bella Balisi Bevilacqua
August 18, 2023, Friday, 7PM-9PM was no ordinary day for the Filipino community, especially the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia. The 9th Season of “Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula, at Sayawan '' was held at the Praise International Church in Surrey, BC, and was attended by an audience of more than a hundred strong. The show is an annual event hosted for free admission by the UPAABC, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. Program opened with the Himig Kabataan’s rendition of both Canada’s and the Philippines’ National Anthems, Welcome Remarks by UPAABC President Bella Balisi Bevilacqua, and Consul Erika Abad on behalf of Consul-General Arlene Magno. |
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Line of performances included UP alumnus Cliff Belgica’s Ivadoi Bendian Dance - a traditional Cordillera tribal war dance, Ikaw and Rosas ng Pandan (Harana/Kundiman) by Himig Kabataan, and the timeless traditional dance numbers of PCG to the tune of Alitaptap and Binatbatan. (“Binatbatan” is an Ilocano occupational folk dance translating the old, painstaking process of weaving “abel”, the Ilocano’s indigenous woven cloth.) Former UP Diliman Professor Veronica Caparas recited her original historical narrative poetry with the title, “Wika Mo, Wika Niya, Wika Ko… Anong Wika Yan?”.
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This year’s Balagtasan theme was “Isang Libo’t Isang Salita ng mga Makabagong Makata” which meant to send the message that the Filipino language is beautiful, remarkable, and unique on its own so it is important to stage programs like the Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula, at Sayawan to celebrate its rich salient point in Philippine history and literature. Filipino is also the National Language of the Philippines. Staging Isang Libo’t Isang Salita ng mga Makabagong Makata were Ahmed Tillah II as Lakandiwa (mediator), and Mylene Lim and Rosette Correa as Lakambini/s (debating poets).
The UPAABC’s famous alumni band, FAM (Friends, Apothic, and Music) pre-closed the event with its energetic and pop performance of the Panahon na Para Magsaya dance medley. The group’s dance medley is always a series of classic Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Closing songs were Bayan Ko at Ako ay Pilipino, and were rendered perfectly by Ms. Janice Lozano.
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August is the National Language Month of the Philippines and this year’s theme was “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Ingklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan”. - BBB
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The UPAABC’s 2023 Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula, at Sayawan: 9th Season can be viewed in video here:
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The UPAABC’s 2023 Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula, at Sayawan: 9th Season can be viewed in video here:
We would like to thank our lovely sponsors – Praise International Church, Sun Life (Jett Vicencio), Greatway (Vicki Buechler), United Filipino Canadian Associations in BC (UFCABC), Hablon Styles and Hues, Northam Law, T1 Mobile, BMO (Chris Canilanza), Terra International Food Inc. (Terra Foods), Cucina Balai, Paradise Drinks, Coal Prints and Signs, Reyfort TV.
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