Taiwan festivals feature Mindanao music, dance

Mindanaoan dance and music cultures takecenter stage in two international festivals in Taiwan when Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) performs for “2001 Changhua International Traditional Arts Festival and International Hand Drum Music Concert” in Taipei.

IPAG, resident company of the MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, represents the Philippines in these festivals hosted by the Taiwan Internationale Organization fur Volkskunst (IOV) until Dec. 18.

The Vienna-based IOV, in working collaboration with UNESCO, serves to promote intercultural learning and mutual understanding among peoples in the world.

IPAG is recognized for its work that transforms indigenous and folk cultures into theater.

Many of the Guild’s works are presented through dance narratives built in ethnic dances, music and folklore.

IPAG’s signature dance-theater format has brought it wide acclaim.

This year’s edition of the International Hand Drum Festival focuses on the Asian region and features countries with national hand drum instruments.

IPAG highlights the gandingan of the Maranao and the Higa-anun tambul each played in ensemble with IPAG’s gong group to accompany dances from these Philippine communities.

The culminating concert will be presented at the Cheung-Shan Hall Plaza, a well-known historic site in Taipei.

IPAG has prepared a repertoire that is based on the folk and ethnic materials of Central and North Mindanao, particularly the dance- music performances of the Muslim Maranao, the Hispanized Iliganon, and the lumad communities of Bukidnon and Lanao, among others.

Performance repertoire is conceptualized and directed by Steven P.C. Fernandez, IPAG artistic director, and choreographed by Nolly Caballos in collaboration with IPAG Creative Collective.

Other delegates are: (performers) Melvin Pescubillo, Eleanor Judith-Lila, Leilani Monterola, Lilybeth Maraoan, Reynan Ravillas, Arlem Abanes, Wenna Balaido, Lara Fatima Maglinao, Julius Hechanova, (musicians) Ronald Salazar, Enrique Batara, Jenalyn Morales, and (Technical Director) Joey Nombres.