The Gala of the Philippine Folklore

We have a colorful and lively culture that makes us distinctly Filipino. This is evident in our tradition, language, arts and religion found not only in the museums, churches and galleries but also engraved in the hearts of every Filipino.

Endowed with natural talents, we continue to depict these in our songs and dances particularly in our celebration of birth, romance, wedding, and good harvest. Each song and dance is the Filipino way of life. Preserving this way of life through our all-time favorite folk dances, the colorful ethnic diversity of Filipino culture, was again immortalized by the Filipino community in Lae to celebrate the 108th Philippine Independence Anniversary.

On 17th June 2006, Lae Golf Club turned into droves as officers and members of Lae Filipino Association gathered once again but this time, with the goal to give the community in Lae the Barrio Fiesta experience. Members lead by Robert Virgil worked hard to decorate the club with bamboos, banana trees and a “bahay kubo” that transformed the sports club with a “Nayong Filipino-essence”. With sumptuous meal prepared by Ita Sena, Cris Ablanida, Tita Heling and Family, the great feast was an impressive experience to all. After dinner was the most awaited presentation of “The Gala of the Philippine Folklore”.

Geared with their intrinsic talents and days of patient practices, kids from age 4 to the “power 40’s” showed off their flair through the Filipino folk dances. Started-off by the dance from the highlands, Banga was gaily interpreted by Gwen Lifu, Cynia Sanchez, Laida Uymasong, Alice Abella, and Maricon Diaz accompanied by the drum played by Ruth, Bulaklakan become more flowery as the garlands of Messha Sena, Kimberly Urbano, Nicole Torres, Bea Sanchez, Sol, DianneDavey and the flower trays of Georgia Lifu, Meryl Sena and RJ Bersola swayed colorfully in the air. Followed by Subli presented by April Sarmiento, Shower Colegado, Micah de Leon and Denise Urbano with the rhythmic castanets of Angelo Ibon, Jeffrey Posadas, Renzo Samaniego and Robin Bacani. Willie Apilado, Jovy Baltazar, Melvin Monteser, Arlene Cheng, Joy and Jenny Santos danced adroitly on top of the 6 inch-wide bench in Sayaw sa Bangko. The audience couldn’t have enough as the dancers of Maglalatik showed off their acrobatic skills while tapping the coconut shells in rhythmic sounds. Tinikling was well danced by “el presidente”, David Felipe and Cynia Sanchez. The dance of the noble in the Southern Philippines, Singkil, was performed with agility by Cathy Restauro and Donna of Frabelle. Al Domingo, the anchorperson, the dancers and Frabelle Choir closed the curtain with the song “Magandang Gabi”. Sikta gave a prowess Dayang-dayang dance after the audience participation of the Tinikling dance.

With the festivities still in the air, prizes generously sponsored by Brian Bell were raffled and tokens of appreciation were given to acknowledge the sponsors for the night. Without the support from the Diamond Sponsors -Coca Cola, who gave free drinks for the night, and Brian Bell; Gold Sponsors- Laga Industries, Consort Express Lines, East West (1), and Lae Biscuit; Bronze Sponsors -Papindo Group of Companies and Mining & Trading Intl; and Donors- Alva Motoring Lae, Chemcare, Colorpak and Nestle this event is not as successful and as remarkable. We also acknowledge the assistance given by George Lifu, Doy Sanchez, Janette Posadas and untiring Frabelle employees. Thanks to all of you.

The dance floor was hot until the very early hours of the next day, proof that everybody is in a festive mood all throughout the night. Thanks to the sounds of Cliff English and music preference of Edwin Javines. KUDOS to the working committee of this event, chaired by Arlene Cheng.