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06.2010

Fokloriko ti La Union, the Province of La Union’s only recognized cultural dance ensemble chaired by Madame Geraldine Ramos-Ortega, better-half of Gov. Manuel C. Ortega, held its first Summer Workshop Recital last June 12 at the historic Diego Silang Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building in the City of San Fernando.

After undergoing various lessons on native dances and songs, all 19 participants displayed their polished dancing skills accompanied by indigenous musical instruments. Presentations from the graduates include dances from the Mountain Provinces such Banga of the Kalingas, where heavy earthen pots are balanced on the heads of the maidens; Ifugao Courtship Dance; and Bumayah, also of the Ifugaos, where the rooster is imitated in thanks of their god Kabunian.

Other presentations include Vintareña, a local dance from Vintar, Ilocos Norte; Chotis, a brisk, sprightly dance of young girls in Dingras, Ilocos Norte which is exclusive to the elite and performed during social functions; Jovencita, an Iloco dance typical of a woman’s debut or wedding; Jota Moncadeña, a combination of Spanish and Ilocano dance steps and music; Dinaklisan, a portrayal of fisher-folks’ life; Pasiguin, a frolicking dance replicating schools of fish coming out from fishnets; Inalimango, a mimetic dance, copying crab movements; Sagwan, a dance portraying folk religiosity using the wooden boat paddle; Wasiwas, similar to Pandanggo Sa Ilaw, requiring good balancing skill as oil lamp is put on the head while holding two lighted lamps in a circular motion; and Binasuan, a dance from Pangasinan in which glasses of wine are balanced on the heads and palms.