Cultural heritage festival under way

DAVAO City (PNA) – Davao, window to the island of Mindanao, is bursting with life and color. The diversity of the people and the rich history, culture and tradition make the city an exciting destination.

Because of these, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Tourism (DoT) in cooperation with the Southern Philippines Tourism Council (SPTC) and the Philippine Airlines have chosen the province as venue to start the National Heritage Month in this city dubbed as the "Mindanao Heritage Rediscovered."

SPTC chairperson Mary Ann "Baby" Montemayor expressed her appreciation for NCCA’s gesture. "We are indeed very fortunate the NCCA has chosen Davao City as the kick-off venue of the annual heritage festival."

"The event is an opportune time to showcase the unique cultural heritage of Davao and the entire island of Mindanao. It aims to strengthen the peoples’ awareness for our own cultural heritage sites, structures and landscapes," Montemayor said.

The National Heritage Festival started by virtue of Proclamation 439 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Aug. 11, 2003 declaring the month of May every year as National Heritage Month.

NCCA Executive Director Cecile Guidote Alvarez said the National Heritage Month seeks "to create in the people a consciousness, respect and love for the legacies of Filipino culture, history and to raise material support for the protection of tangible and intangible heritage."

"Our unique and priceless shared Filipino heritage serves as a mirror to provide a face for our identity to reflect and confront our problems with appropriate social transformation; as armor to fight poverty, pollution and corruption, drugs and depravity; an anchor to be rooted in the wealth of our indigenous heritage as a safety net amidst globalization and antidote to cultural homogenization," Alvarez said.

National Heritage Month opened at the City Hall grounds featuring tribal dances and offerings. The opening was attended by Armita B. Rufino, president of the Filipino Heritage Festival; Edu Jarque, representing Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Montemayor and other officials.

It was followed by the banging of the gong that signaled the opening of the trade exhibit at the Apo View Hotel by Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation headed by Ann T. Pamintuan.

"The exhibit showcased products that have gained recognition for Mindanao as evidenced by its unique craftsmanship," Pamintuan said.

Showcased were authentic "bauls" (treasure chest), kris, balanghay boats, brass wares, authentic tribal costumes and accessories and extraordinary collection of malongs.

On the other hand, Sonny Pamintuan, general manager of Apo View Hotel said "The Hotel is a historical landmark in Davao City considering that it is one of the oldest accommodation facilities in Davao."

A historical photo exhibit was also opened at Marco Polo Hotel dubbed as "Balik Lantaw" which showcased the photographs depicting the different socio-historical decades of Davao.

In the evening, a fashion show was shown entitled "Mindanao: Wind, Water and Earth," that showcased Mindanao’s culture diversity and interpret into haute couture the weave and tapestry of people, art, culture and nature.

The designs and fabrics of Mindanao’s diverse cultural heritage into wearable stylish clothing were interpolated by Alfonso "Boy" Ginoo and directed by Agnes Locsin, a native of Davao City and one of the country’s most progressive choreographers.

Presented were 36 pieces of stylish Mindanao costumes by five young designers, namely, Aztec Barba, Popoy Barba, Dodjie Batu, Emi-Alexander Englis, and Garimon Roferos.

Music was brought by Joey Ayala popularly known for his unique style of music that combines the sounds of Filipino ethnic instruments with modern pop/rock music.

Today, May 25, "Balagtasan sa Bulacan" infuses new life into an old art form. On May 26, our legacy of culture will never be lost, as it is captured in D. Ramon Valera’s latest book touching off fund-raising activities for the National Museum of the Philippines.

And finally, the Filipino Heritage Month close in grand manner with "Way to Go, Cebu." The Queen City of the South parades its timeless traditions and multi-faceted customs. (Lynda B. Valencia -PNA)