PAMANA: THE CULTURAL LEGACIES OF LUZON AT CCP SEPTEMBER 5

 THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) presents  three leading performing groups from Luzon in “PAMANA:  The Cultural Legacies of Luzon” on September 5 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the  CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) under the CED Ugnayan sa Sining program.

Pamana performing groups include the Baao Children’s Choir from Baao-Camarines Sur, Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe from Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas City, and the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. (BKFI) from Malolos City-Bulacan.  The collaboration of these three groups began in 2014 when they first performed and toured the Visayas (Bacolod, Sta. Barbara and Iloilo) as part of the 35th Anniversary of the CCP Outreach Programs, followed by another exchange tour in 2015 in Batangas, Olongapo and Munoz-Nueva Ecija and in 2016 in Tagum City and Nabunturan-Compostela Valley.

The Legend of Lam-Ang, Bernardo Carpio, Ulo ng Apo and Bul-ul are some of the mythical stories from Luzon region which are part of the Pamana program.  Melandro N. Pascual, writer-director of the production, hopes that efforts to revitalize the Filipinos’ interest and appreciation for Philippine folk tales and legends can be sustained.  Many of the stories emulate the good traits and practices of the people of Luzon as portrayed by the actors of BK. Lam-Ang shows everyone how skillful and clever he is, while the Bul-ul is known for protecting the rice fields, it signifies loyalty in giving service to its owner according to the very purpose of why it was created.  Isabela’s Bambanti demonstrates preparedness, Ulo ni Apo reveals the bravery and devotion of the people of Olongapo and Bernardo Carpio’s fearlessness reflects the life ways of the natives of Region IV.

With the folk songs (e.g. pamulinawen, kataka-taka, ang maya) carefully selected by conductor Hermelino Briones of the Baao Children and Youth Choir and the folk dances (e.g. bendian, salatimais, subli, cariñosa) creatively choreographed by Rodel Fronda of the Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, the storytelling becomes even more engaging, more visual, and more harmonious.

After the CCP run, Pamana moves to Bataan from September 6-9, 2019.  The CCP run and move-over performance are presented in partnership with the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc.

From 2014-2018, the CCP CED under its program entitled “Ugnayan sa Sining” successfully mounted and toured four collaborative productions which highlighted the cultural expressions and traditions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  For 2019, the productions will be presented at the CCP little theater starting February to October.  The Mindanao collaborative production opened the series last February followed by the Visayas collaborative production last July 25.  The Luzon performing groups are the third featured regional artists.

The 2019 Ugnayan sa Sining performances @ the CCP are offerings of the center as part of its 50th Anniversary and the 40th Year of its Outreach Program and are intended for the students and local communities who have limited or no access/means to experience live cultural engagements at the CCP. 

For more information, contact the CCP Cultural Exchange Department at 832-1125 locals 1708-1709.