Kapt Tomas, Madayaw win Sayaw Mindanao 2011!

After months of preparation and rehearsals by participating dance and theatre ensembles, 2-day eliminations at SM City Davao, this year’s Sayaw Mindanaw was concluded last August 19 with Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elementary School (junior category) and Madayaw Cultural Ensemble (open category) on top.

For the junior category, Matina Central Elementary School ranked 3^rd while Magallanes landed 2^nd. Sining Kadanao Theatre Collective from Butuan and Agro High School Dance Troupe earned the Open Category second and third place, respectively.

 

Completing the roll of Open Category finalists were Pangkat Silayan Theatre Collective, Karegan Cultural Ensemble, Tupi National High School Dance and Theatre Company, and Kathara Dance and Theatre Collective.

 

Kapitan Tomas’ entry was a B’laan dance depicting bird hunting—Admulak. The colourful and exciting story showcases synchronized movements both of the birds and the hunters.  Madayaw’s entry on the other hand, was a story of hate, pain and love. It features traditional courtship, wedding and the universal complexity of unrequited love. 

 

The Sayaw Mindanaw continues to address the need for a better understanding and appreciation of Mindanao’s indigenous culture and traditions. This year, choreographed presentations were critiqued by Cultural Center of the Philippines Director for Dance Ms Josefa Guillen, Philippine Folk Dance Society’s Prof. Franco Velas and Rodel Fronda, NCCA National Commission on Dance Vice Head Dr. Larry Gabao and NCCA Project Management Division’s Ms Marichu Tellano. The Sayaw Mindanao encourages research for indigenous materials and promotes artistic excellence among dance companies in Mindanao.

 

With Dr. Corazon Agustin as the event chair, the successful conduct of this year’s competition promises bigger and more exciting future Sayaw Mindanao.