Philippine Consul General Wilfredo DL. Maximo said the traditional dances will always be a part of the Filipino culture.
Bayani Association president Tina Lifoifoi said the net proceeds from the cultural show and dinner banquet will be donated to Guma Esperansa, which provides shelter and assistance to victims of violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in the CNMI.
Lauri Ogumoro, manager of Guma Esperansa, said they are blessed to be the beneficiary of the cultural program as the proceeds can do a lot to help their programs.
The show, dubbed as “Balik-Tanaw sa Kulturang Pinoy (A Glimpse of Filipino Culture)” showcased 16 traditional dances divided into four categories performed by the Bayani Dance Troupe.
It included Spanish inspired dances like Pasodoble, Polka sa Nayon, Mantones De Seda and Paseo De Ilo-ilo. The second part showcased Philippine regional dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. These include Idaw, Banga, Salidsid, Pandango sa Ilaw, Salakot, Sakuting, Makatod, Malong-malong, Kini-kini, Asik, Singkil and the crowd favorite — the Tinikling, an indigenous-Hispanic dance which awed the crowd as the dancers stepped over the bamboo poles in a rising crescendo.
Sponsors included AON Insurance, Armatech, Century Insurance, Hardt Eye Clinic, Traders Insurance, IT&E/PTI, Pacific Homes Appliances, Tan Holdings, Pacific Marine Industrial, Jo’s Corp., Shell Marianas, Fiesta Resort & Spa, KC Beauty Salon, Ren-ren Santos, the Marianas Variety and the Saipan Tribune.
