~Sinag 1996 Concert~ Continued

~MARIA CLARA SUITE~

(Estudiantina)

The Spaniards landed on the Philippine shore in the 16th Century and colonized the country for three-and-a-half centuries. The native culture of the islands was replaced by the social customs, religious beliefs and traditions, and political structure of the Spanish. The Spaniards also brought their arts, which the Filipinos adapted to their regional dances. Each region added their own unique touch.

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*Estudiantina - This is a very lively dance found in Unisan, Quezon Province (formerly Tayabas). During the old days, this dance was a favorite in social gatherings and was usually performed by young men and young women who were students of private schools and colleges of Manila. The boys were called "estudiantes" and the girls were called "estudiantinas". The dance was therefore named after the latter. *Baile De Amor - Based on an idea from the Bayanihan Dance Company, Baile De Amor is a romantic duet where the couple who met in Estudiantina perform a dance to very mellow music. This dance leads them to Habanera where they are eventually wed.

*Habanera - This is a very colorful, vivid and joyous dance from Botolan, Zambales. During the early days, this was performed in honor of a departing parish priest. In time, however, it lost that role and became more of a festival dance performed at wedding celebrations, baptismal parties, barrio fiestas, and social gatherings. The couple who fell in love with each other in Baile De Amor are now wed and celebrate their unity through dance.

*Jota Cavitena - This dance shows a very strong Spanish influence. Castanets, fashioned from bamboo, provide the clacking sound adding to the swaying music. The costume is the elaborately embroidered "Maria Clara" for the women and the traditional "Barong Tagalog" for the men.

~RURAL SUITE~

(Pasiguin)

Dances from the rice-growing countryside expressed the people's joy in work, love for music and merriment, or thanksgiving for a good harvest. Rural dances display a vibrant, joyous and fun-loving atmosphere. They also reflect the local occupations, temperments and dispositions as they are influenced by climatic, geographic, economic, and social conditions.

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*Pasiguin - A dance imitating the movements of colorful fish as they are being trapped by fishermen's nets. *Sayaw Ed Tapew Bangko - Many Philippine dances display the skill and dexterity of the people. This dance originating from Pangasinan, is performed by couples atop a narrow bench with difficult moves, all to the delight of the village onlookers.

*Binasuan/Pasikat Sa Baso - Another dance of balance and dexterity, glasses are filled with wine distributed during the fiestas and celebrations. Often females will first dance with the glasses, one atop the head and one in each hand. A male dancer will join in to match the balancing skills of the women. *Usahay - (Sung by Edward Jimenez) made famous by Perlita Corales, was origianally composed by Papa Nitoy, father of one of the musicians tonight. *Kuratsa - A lively, humorous and spontaneous style of dance found in various forms throughout the Philippine islands. This style is most popular in the Visayan regions, primarily Bicol and the Ilocos regions. A "panuelo" (handerkerchief) is used in a manner to hide flirtatious glances. *Pandanggo/Oasioas - Two different dances combined together form Mindoro and Pangasinan using lighted lamps skillfully balanced on the heads and in the hands. They are wrapped in scarves and swayed like beacons for the homecoming fishermen.

*Tinikling - This is the most popular and best known of the Philippine dances and originated from the island of Leyte. This dance depicts the "tikling" bird as it hops to escape the bamboo traps set amidst the rice stalks.

~Sinag 1996 Cast~

Michelle Papa ~ Annalisa Padayhag ~ Meredith Elguira ~ Josephine Siapno ~ Excel Navarrete ~ Jennifer Valdez ~ Jesyl-Joy Deliquina ~ Pamela DelaCruz ~ Tess Alcon ~ Michelle Padayhag ~ Jonnah Rapada ~ Liza Sabate ~ Liza Tayo ~ Jowena Valdez ~ Christopher Navarro ~ Jobert Valdez ~ Jon Basilio ~ Ritche Alsisto ~ Charles Areola ~ Edward Jimenez ~ Alex Lee ~ Fermin Longcob ~ Fernando Longcob ~ Jeffrey Rodrigo ~ Bryce Omer ~ Maria Baluyut ~ Michelle Ga ~ Rosellyn Malibiran ~ Jemelie Barrera ~ Patricia Jimenez ~ Meliza Siapno ~ Norman Guerrero ~ Robert San Luis ~ Sheila Callanta ~ Raymond Balanga ~ Ariel Neidermeier ~ Rowena Pangsolingan ~ Abraham Filoteo ~ Richard Pastor ~ Lambuu Cao ~ Jessica Del Vera ~ Lindy Rodrigo ~ Rochelle Callanta ~ Cristina Gerona ~ Jennifer Valerio ~ Catherine Navarro ~ Thy Vo ~ Martin Danao ~ Lynn Davidson

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