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Igorots lead traditional dance workshop at Czechia cultural festival
Igorots with Ambassador Ed Menez Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Eduardo Martin Meñez addressed the performing Igorot troupe and several Czech tourists at the 10th Eastern Tunes Festival, inviting them to join an upcoming Filipino cultural festival in Prague. ANDY PEÑAFUERTE III Mikulášovice, Czech Republic — A group of Igorots living in the Czech Republic organized a traditional dance workshop during the 10th Eastern Tunes Festival, marking the Philippines' debut at the annual multicultural event held to counter xenophobia. The Igorots in the Czech Republic (ICR) troupe taught the bendian, a circle dance from Benguet, to several tourists and festival participants. Migrant worker Amy Siblon, who led the demonstration of the dance's different arm movements, appreciated the participation of young Czechs in the workshop. "Nakaka-proud kapag may ibang lahi na gustong [malaman] ang ating kultura (It's a proud feeling when other ethnic groups want to know more about our culture). We should feel very proud about it, and I am," Siblon, who works at a multinational logistics firm in Brno, told GMA Integrated News. Some Czech participants called the bendian workshop a "great experience." Michaela Chrástová, who volunteers for the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, said the dance was a "nice exchange of cultures." "I'm really glad to know Filipino culture more. There was a lot of laughing when we got the steps wrong, but that made it more fun. That was the best part of it." Igorots in Czech Republic lead a dance workshop for Czechs at the Eastern Tunes Festival, teaching some of them the pinesbekan step. The workshop participants also learned the other steps of the bendian dance, as well as their history and traditional significance. ANDY PEÑAFUERTE III Jirí Sedlák, another local attendee, said the participatory format made the workshop especially memorable. "I love dancing, and even more so with other people because it's a whole new experience. Even the emotions and the culture [that were shared through the dance felt new], because we don't really celebrate culture that much here in the Czech Republic. We also need to see something [like the Igorot dance]." PH culture in Czech mindset The women in the Igorot group wore bodysuits that featured traditional ink designs inspired by the body tattoo art of the Kalinga, while the men wore traditional Ifugao attire. Before the workshop, the dance troupe presented a tribal dance. Dave Cosape, who works at an automotive company in Teplice, noticed that festival participants were drawn in by traditional performers like their group, as well as those who came from Indonesia, Iran, Syria, and Taiwan. These acts performed Arabic melodies, a fusion of ethnic tunes and rock music, as well as traditional dances. "Nagtipon 'yung mga local nu'ng nag-perform na 'yung [cultural groups] kasi gusto nilang makita 'yung iba't ibang tradition. Gusto nilang makilala at mapanood ['yung performers] kasi nakaka-entertain din," Cosape added. [Locals gathered when cultural groups started their productions because they wanted to meet the performers and learn about their traditions. The performances were also entertaining.] The inclusion of the Igorot group was arranged by Dr. Reysa Alenzuela, a Filipina research fellow and head librarian at the Oriental Institute. "We're really happy because Filipinos joined the festival for the first time and showcased our culture, traditions, and dances to a wider audience," Alenzuela said. Alenzuela added that the festival was a vital platform for raising awareness of the growing Filipino presence in the Czech Republic. "Aside from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), we have students and professionals here. But often, we're misidentified or misinterpreted as Vietnamese. [Events like this allow us] to showcase our diverse culture, which is not yet known to a lot of Czech people.' Held annually near the Czech Republic's northwestern border with Germany, the Eastern Tunes Festival was created to promote understanding of Asian and Middle Eastern cultures among local European communities. It also featured traditional food stalls alongside souvenir stands selling handmade crafts and festival keepsakes. "For ten years, we have tried to provide space for the meeting of cultures," Dr. Phil. Jarmila Ptácková of the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the festival organizer, told GMA Integrated News. "We want to give people from this region a rare chance to engage with cultures from the Near and Far East—not just watch performances, but meet, talk, and share." Ptácková noted that while the festival often invites international performers, there is equal value in featuring migrant communities already based in Europe. "It's important to include the people who've settled in the Czech Republic and established their lives in Europe. It's not always easy for them to integrate with [their new host communities]. We are happy that the Filipino group was here; they showed their dance and brought others into the experience." "We hope the [festival participants] will remember something about [the performances] and be encouraged to learn more about the Philippines," Ptácková added. "Or at least remember the people and friends they met here." — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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GMA Network
09-06-2025
- GMA Network
Indigenous handwoven textiles, ceramic art, more take centerstage at Likha 4
Indigenous and traditional handicrafts and artworks created by Filipino artisans and designers across the country took centerstage at Likha 4 at Foro de Intramuros in Manila over the weekend. According to Vonne Aquino's report in "Saksi" on June 6, the artisanal exhibit was led by First Lady Liza Marcos, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, and former Housing Secretary Jose Acuzar. The annual Likha celebrates the rich artistry and cultural heritage of the Philippines by fostering collaboration among designers and artisans, and sharing traditional indigenous knowledge through the promotion of Filipino handicrafts from various regions of the country. Janeth Hanapi, a weaver of the Jama Mapun indigenous group from Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, was among the artisans who exhibited her handwoven mats at Likha 4. These mats or banig featured designs unique to their indigenous community. "Isang malaking oportunidad po na dumating po sa buhay naming bilang mgamanlilikha, isa po itong tulong din sa aming karagdagang pangangailangan po," said Janeth. Siegrid Bangyay, a potter from Sagada, Mountain Province, also showcased her ceramic artworks that reflect the traditions and beliefs of the Igorots. "I based my inspirations in my pieces on our local symbols, like 'yung Pinagtago for us is a guardian, for Ifugao it's Bulul," said Siegrid. Per Likha organizer Al Valenciano, they collaborated with various sectors for exhibit and to ensure the crafts are passed down and sustained through the years. "We try to partner din with fellow artisans, we partner din with designers, we partner din with entrepreneurs who could help them achieve a certain sustainability to make sure that the craft is passed on and will live on through generations," he said. National Commission for Culture and the Arts executive director Eric Zerrudo also said that Likha has become "an annual pilgrimate site" for creatives and craft-lovers. Aside from handwoven mats and ceramic art, other handicrafts such as clothing, textiles, and jewelry also featured at Likha 4. Sparkle artists Althea Ablan, Brent Valdez, and Cheska Fausto attended the event and expressed their support for Filipino products. "Meron ako nakitang bag made of bamboo siya. Ang ganda niya. Katulad nga ng sabi nila, we support locals 'di ba, kaya as Pinoy, tayo, we support each other," said Althea. "Kailangan naming gamitin 'yung platform namin para ibahagi namin sa mga Pilipino na meron tayong ganitong ka rich na culture and heritage na pwede nating maipagmalaki sa buong mundo," added Brent. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
