About Kayamanan Ng Lahi :)

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ave Jacinto
Administrative Director for Kayamanan Ng Lahi
kayamanan@earthlink.net ~ www.kayamanan.org

PHILIPPINE MUSIC AND DANCE INTERCONNECT

UNDER THE STARS AT FORD AMPHITHEATRE

Four Multi-Disciplinary Folk & Traditional Arts Groups
Collaborate For September 13 Event

(Los Angeles - September 4, 2008)

The Philippines' rich and diverse culture of dance and music will be presented in celebratory fashion -- under the stars – as Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts presents MAGKAUGNAY (“Interconnectedness”), Saturday, September 13, 8 p.m. at The Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East in the Hollywood Hills just off the 101 Freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl.

Presented as part of The Ford Amphitheatre's LA Oasis Summer Series, the evening premieres a creative, rarely performed vibrant collaborative numbers featuring a mix of traditional and post-modernist dance accompanied musically by the resounding rhythms of drums and metal gongs, the spellbinding sounds of the kulintang and the splendidly sublime stringed rondalla instruments.

MAGKAUGNAY features a range of specialized works led by Kayamanan Ng Lahi, with northern hill tribe celebrations by Institute of Native Arts, lowland Spanish-tinged festivities by the Rondalla Club of Los Angeles, and the southern islands' time-honored cultural heritage represented via San Diego’s Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble.

The evening marks the first time that all four accomplished groups, rooted in tradition but inspired by contemporary movements, have interconnected to celebrate the Philippine spirit in music and dance.

“Kayamanan Ng Lahi is excited to be working with Institute of Native Arts, Rondalla Club of Los Angeles and Pakaraguian, “ Joel Jacinto, cultural program director of Kayamanan Ng Lahi noted. “These groups are the best in their genre of Philippine dance and music. Although a small island country, the Philippines is very diverse in cultural traditions. Our hope with this collaboration is to show that however different our cultural heritage between the different regions of the archipelago, Filipinos are working together to build a stronger community here in America and we are achieving it through the universal themes and through love of dance and music.”

The event will also feature special guest soloist Camile Velasco, the American Idol Season 3 top ten finalist, to serenade the audience with a Filipino love song as part of the production.

Tickets, priced at $25 for adults and $5 full-time students and children, can be purchased at www.FordTheatres.org or by calling the Ford box office at (323) 461-3673. The $5 tickets are made possible thanks to a grant from Target, sponsor of Target Dance Series at the Ford. Target strives to make the arts affordable and accessible to youth and families because the arts help foster an appreciation and understanding of various cultures and points of view. Tickets are also available by through Kayamanan Ng Lahi at 310-391-2357 or via email at kayamanan@earthlink.net.

More on the Artists:

Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts is a critically acclaimed non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California. Under the leadership of Joel Jacinto, Barbara Ele and Ave Jacinto, Kayamanan is committed to presenting, promoting and preserving the richness and diversity of Philippine culture through dance and music.

Kayamanan's artistic approach is based on anthropological research, resulting in a strong and appropriate translation between traditional folk and folkloric Philippine dance and music forms and styles - from the village to the stage. Noted for its extensive dance repertoire, costumes and music ensembles.

Kayamanan has received numerous accolades including L.A. Times' description of one of the group's concert as " ...consistently exciting and a triumph of enlightened cultural preservation." In addition to performing and holding weekly workshops, Kayamanan also plays a leadership role in providing technical assistance, training and consultation, instruction and planning of innovative and culturally appropriate performances and programs in folk dance to many student and community folk dance groups across the United States. For more information, go to www.kayamanan.org, email kayamanan@earthlink.net or call 310-391-2357.

Rondalla Club of Los Angeles (RCLA)
Rondalla, the traditional string ensemble of the Philippines, often provides the music for Philippine folk dances and is prominent in community celebrations like fiestas, weddings, and other civic and social events serving the Filipino community. Since its inception (1991), RCLA has remained active in various Filipino social and civic functions and is recognized as one of the leading rondallas in southern California. It has been a familiar fixture in the Pilipino Cultural Nights (PCN) held in different universities, colleges and high schools like UCLA, USC, UCI, UCR, CSUN, CSUF, Troy High and Whitney High to name a few. Together, RCLA's members have decades of world-class rondalla playing experience between them, having toured, performed and taught extensively throughout the U.S. For more information go to www.rondalla.org or www.myspace.com/RCLA, email info@rondalla.org or call Tagumpay De Leon at (818) 842-8655 or Patrick Tanega, (213) 399-2117.

The Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble of the Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center performs gong-chime music and dances from the southern Philippines. Formed in 2003 by UCLA alumnists, Peter Paul De Guzman, Bernard Ellorin, Mary T. Lacanlale, Eleanor Lipat- Chesler, and Nickki Martin-Lustre, Pakaraguian has been performing at various festivals, lectures, venues and universities around southern California.

The group’s main purpose is to accurately represent and educate its audiences on the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) cultures of the Maguindanaon, Maranao, Tausug, Sama, and Yakan ethno-linguistic groups. It is important to note that music and dances from this region are NOT “Muslim music or dances.” These indigenous Philippine cultural arts forms originating from the Muslim Filipinos in Mindanao and Sulu are a part of the Philippines’ Southeast Asian heritage. For more information, contact Bernard Ellorin at 1-619-892-2297. email: bernardellorin@yahoo.com.

Institute of Native Arts (a subsidiary of BIBAK Dance Ensemble)
The Institute of Native Arts (INA) is a cultural arts ensemble based in Los Angeles, which seeks to preserve, promote and perpetuate the indigenous arts of the Igorot hill tribes of Northern Luzon, Philippines. INA is comprised of first and second-generation Igorot-Americans with the purpose of educating the world on the colorful Igorot culture through showcases, seminars, workshops and arts exchanges. Armed with their ever-present brass gangsa, INA's upcoming projects include inventory of ancient artifacts and instruments, archiving native chants and songs, and developing their artistic knowledge to include traditions such as basket-weaving, bamboo instrument creation, tattooing, and recording ancient rites and rituals. For more information call Michael Wandag, Director: 323-378-9872 or Jennifer Catanes, Director: 310-775-1732

More on the Ford

The Ford Amphitheatre is located at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood, CA 90068, just off the 101 Hollywood Freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios. The grounds open two hours before showtime for picnicking. The Ford offers a number of dining options: a variety of food and beverages is available on site and box dinners for evening events may be ordered in advance. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink. The Ford is disabled accessible. Portable wireless listening devices are available upon request.

On-site, stacked parking costs $5 per vehicle for evening. For evening shows only, FREE non-stacked parking serviced by a FREE shuttle to the Ford, for evening amphitheatre performances only, is available at the Universal City Metro Station lot at Lankershim Blvd. and Campo de Cahuenga. The shuttle, which cycles every 15-20 minutes, stops in the "kiss and ride" area.

This event is part of the Ford Amphitheatre 2008 Season, a multi-disciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County based arts organizations. For a complete season schedule, directions to the theater and parking information, log on to www.FordTheatres.org.

MAGKAUGNAY, an event produced by Kayamanan Ng Lahi, is funded in part by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and presented by Asian Journal, Inc.

SS: Tango-ing Thoughts

Slow... slow... quick quick... slow..

Promenade, grapevines, rock, lock, box, ochos, serpentines...

I am loving the choreography sequence being taught at my tango class.

But as I visit tango world for my dancing fix, studying how to use the body in a skilled art form, I am conscious of the fact that I am surrounded by salt shakers, that ubiquitous presence of pairs. Though I am grateful to "borrow" a guy for a dance, I become aware that perhaps my singularity is peculiar.

But I am a girl who goes to weddings, baby showers, and restaurants ALONE. And tango is for salt shakers ultimately.

It's been two weeks since I've seen the mathematician. We've since retreated to our work, the serenity of personal solitudes and I am still struck by the aftereffects of his presence. Still, I had a great evening with JC who made me a dinner that put me on the moon and I enjoy the hellos of several sweet.... potential shakers?

What is tango doing to me?

Hmm... maybe I should've signed up for flamenco instead.

JNET

Aren't We A Pair

The mathematician said hello yesterday evening.

The ironies of Life never cease to amaze me.

We toasted to J and C last night at a concert in Descanso Gardens. J and C brought two extremely busy and resistent people, myself and the mathematican to a lunch several years ago. Our respective relationships with J and C disintegrated (putting it lightly) but nonetheless, I loved the irony and thought it worthy of a toast.

In the spirit of Mozart's playfulness, we lifted our cups to defy past enmities while The Marriage of Figaro played. If ever I was to describe a cosmic explosion, then I have to say that such happened the day I met this enigmatic man. I once thought romantic love was a plebeian pursuit that brought less than ideal realizations.

The world shook again as I sat at his side and wondered where the white rabbit was. I enjoyed my evening in wonderland and wish I could find my way there. Why can't I find it without the mathematician? A part of me still wants to deny that he has such power.

There were some days that the mathematician seem more mythical than real. And the times I see him, reality feels fantastic.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Do you want to discuss metaphysics?"

"We can discuss nonsense or metaphysics, as long as we enjoy ourselves."

"So who was supposed to be your date tonight had I not come?"

"I had no date planned. S called last night to say he was playing in the orchestra and that he had a couple of tickets. I hadn't spoken to him in several months. This evening purely came out of spontaneity."

I didn't expect my invisible muse to make an appearance. I had grown comfortable with my epistolary hellos and never expected anything more than he be a listener and quiet force in my life.

Last night at the garden, all I could think of... was...

"Aren't we a pair?"

It was perfect. Two ascetics trying to navigate the terrain of a date. We laughed a lot and then we kissed goodbye.

Onto the romance of Life....

Hopefully, I will see my mathematician again.

JNET

I Love Miniature Books

I visited the "4000 Years of Tiny Treasures" exhibit on miniature books at the Boston Public Library. If you haven't seen the enchanting collection, you have until September 2nd to catch a glimpse of these precious gems.

I rarely leave home without a book... I had no idea that it is possible to fit a modest library in a coin purse. The Koran, the Good Book, the complete works of Shakespeare, and an illustrated miniature book by Picasso (he made only two) sat under the glass like jewels on display. Many were gilded in gold, bound in leather and colorful with intricate art design.

It felt like I was given a peek into a fairy queen's private collection. They held a magical quality and I wanted to touch them, give them a read through and let the spell of a tiny book take me to its little world. Anne C. Bromer, the "fairy queen" of the collection shared a beautiful and rare collection.

It was my last day in Boston before returning to Los Angeles that I saw the "Tiny Treasures" exhibit and I still think of those books. They are indeed enchanting.

The exhibit continues through September 2. Go before the fairies take it back to their world!

The UnHomogenized Human Being

To walk to one's own drumbeat.

I've spoken with some that romanticize it is the the freedom enjoyed by the poor. To live in a self-made house on a plot of land, able to grow one's food, free of big brother, big sister, mom, dad, wfie, husband, kids, a boss.... THE BOSS... the MAN... the GOVERNMENT.

Maybe one can find freedom in a commune? At least some will find company with like-minded kin folk. Is happiness found in the village life?

Many readily scoff that happiness can be found among the wealthy. There are countless anecdotes about the miserable millionaire. I don't think the answer lies within a certain social strata but learning within the different terrains is an educational opportunity that life provides.

So many classrooms... from the shelters to the country clubs... from countries to urban meccas. The beach teaches different lessons than the mountains... The intentional communites, alternative communities, artist colonies, temples and churches...

Boston's Wally's Jazz Club people, Bevery Hill's martini sippers at "The Club" at the Peninsula, Melrose Ave's goth and grunge, Haight-Ashbury, Harvard Square's students, drum circle hippies, the entrepreneurs, scientists, jazz people, rock people, classical people, so many flavors...

Can you keep your drumbeat and enter someone's song... just to visit and create a quiet background beat and see if you can make art? Do you kill your curiousity before questioning your motives for doing so? Do you know why you choose what you choose?

Do you know the signature of your voice and how powerful you really are as a unique, learning, and expanding human being?

Some things to think about while you trek upon your journey... to create your flavor, your sound, your voice.

JNET

DANCE: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

I stepped out from the blur of my life this past weekend to attend a performance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion.

My favorite dance piece was "Caught" choreographed by David Parsons in 1982. It was so rich in expression for me that I was in tears through out most of the piece. The stage is mostly dark except for a strobe light in which the dancer seems to defy gravity doing leaps to the flashing light. The practice for perfect timing and stamina to create this work was awe-inspiring. It was like watching a dream about flying. The dancer was up with the flashes posing in mid-air within the splitting of seconds to be in the air with light at the same time.

It was a beautiful and intense piece, rigorous and breathtaking... set to string music that just tore me up... Tore me up!

I am looking forward to more dance performances over the year..

JNET

MUSIC: A Wink and a Smile

I celebrated a special birthday this past Monday at Charlie-O's Jazz Club. The club was FULL and most of the people had gathered around the piano bar to celebrate the man of the evening, Page Cavanaugh.... 84 years young.

I was struck by many things about the evening... Where to begin? I adored his arrangement of Cabaret and the chemistry between him and his players; Jason Lingle on drums and Phil Mallory on upright bass....is like watching good friends out cruising in a fast car on a gorgeous day. Their groove and rapport playing with one another has a life of its own.... and that life seems to manifest into the audience... as well as friends that came along to PLAY... and join into the fun...

Plas Johnson joined on sax.... and Mark Miller came up to sing a song...

It was a pleasure to be present to the "Page Effect"... I can see why my friend Jason, enjoys being part of the trio who says there is never a dull moment not with . Page's great storytelling of life at the jazz royal courts gathers his friends around the campfire as he shares tales about Sinatras and Coles... memories and adventures told with a wink and a smile...

Between sets, I was able to meet with a couple of friends and fans who have enjoyed many seasons listening to Page play. I, myself, came out to see one of my best friends play, Jason Lingle. I now can't wait to see them again... perhaps at their upcoming CD release party.

I think next time I want to sit right up next to the camp fire...

JNET

PHOTOS: An Afterward of KNL's Habing Sayawit

I celebrated my first Christmas party with KNL last weekend. It had been nearly a month since I've seen them last. It was very nice to not be on concert mode and it was the first time I had been able to relax and have our hair down (literally... I haven't seen how many of the girls look like with their hair down!)



My brother took loads of pix and you may find them at this link ... I believe all the links are now in working order. If you want to see the pictures blogged thus far you may find them here. Act TWO's page has a link to take you back to ACT ONE... The pictures below are later additions plus our recent Christmas party... Enjoy.

JNET :)
















"It is not a question of who dances

but of who or what does not dance."


My friends adored the dance concert. My family is ecstatically proud and I can't wait to go for another year and see my new friends again.

To be part of this work is a very special experience. It is spiritual, emotional, and mentally demanding as well as rewarding.

"Prayer does not use up artificial energy,

doesn't burn up any fossil fuel, doesn't pollute.

Neither does song, neither does love,

neither does the dance."

"The real message of the Dance opens up the

vistas of life

to all who have the urge to express beauty

with no other instrument than their own bodies,

with no apparatus and nodependence on anything

other than space."

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home."

"When you dance,

your purpose is not to get to a certain place

on the floor.

It's to enjoy each step along the way."

"To dance is to be out of yourself.

Larger, more beautiful, more powerful.

This is power, it is glory on earth and

it is yours for the taking."

"Many people are shy

when it comes to getting

out on a dance floor.

Dancing is an activity that...

reveals your inner self,

whether you like it, or know it, or not.

It is hard to fake it on a dance floor."

"Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies

in the dance of life,

impels us through all its mazes and meanderings,

but leads none of us by the same route."

"He who would learn to fly one day

must first learn to stand

and walk and run and climb and dance;

one cannot fly into flying."

"Think of the magic of that foot, comparatively small,

upon which your whole weight rests.

It's a miracle, and the dance is a celebration of that miracle."

"We learn by practice.

Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing

dancing or to learn to live by practicing living,

the principles are the same.

One becomes in some area an athlete of God."

"I see dance being used

as communication

between body and soul,

to express what it too deep

to find for words."

"It was character that got us out of bed,

commitment that moved us into action,

and discipline that enabled us

to follow through."

2006 is going to be a great year!!!

THEATER: Angels We Have Heard On High

ABC took me to a wonderful musical at Playhouse West called "Angels We Have Heard on High". The play was written and directed by Stewart Irel and the music written by Amalia Stephenson who is an alumnus of my university, ABC's bestfriend and my bestfriend's roommate.

Aside from that fun piece of serendipity, I was happy to finally meet and hear Miss Amalia's work and attend a show at Playhouse West; a School and Repertory Theater in North Hollywood founded by Robert Carnegie and Jeff Goldblum. I am fascinated by how they teach their acting classes; the Meisner Technique. My friend, A. had studied this technique at their sister school in Manhattan. I am so intrigued that I would like to consider becoming a student in the future.

I loved the show, it is the playhouse's first musical and I was impressed and went through so many emotions during the course of the show. The story is about a unique choir of people gathered together for rehearsals where they support one another through the catharsis of music and relating. Through the leadership of a band, they meet, improvise, deal with life and build relationships.

I enjoyed the story, it was intricate, intelligent, emotional, funny and well woven. The stories between the 12 characters were real, had substance and was unapologetically real at many points that I had to sigh and think... whew... this is real life... Real hard core life in its glory and tragedy.

"Angels We Have Heard On High" has two more shows; next Saturday and Sunday evening. It's free. They ask for a donation and all the proceeds go to a cancer foundation. It's a great show. Attend their last weekend if you can.... You'll have a hard time deciding who your favorite character is and the music rocks.... at some points you may find yourself singing along.... or wishing you could be in "the choir." I may go again Sunday evening and bring friends along. If anyone wants to join us, dash me an email.

JNET

MOCA mi vida

Upside Down Mushrooms, by frogafish.

I spent Friday in San Diego and returned inspired to write. I met with my producers and with the person whose work I am writing about. Over a lunch meeting I was able to become present to this person's powerful "why". For me, that is the most important thing to learn about anyone.. what is this person a possibility of in the world?

Today, I had my own piano lesson with my coach and within the context of the lesson I look for how I handle life. I look for parallels in life as a pursue working on a piece.

I'm finding "Big My Secret" technically more challenging because of its structure and form. There are flurries of notes that I have yet to put more expression and meaning to after getting my technique in order. The accents are intricate and the dynamic direction is sparse. I guess it is challenging and interesting because I have so much freedom with it. It is quite a contrast to the "Passepied" that I am working on as well.... there are so many details!

After my piano lesson, D and I took the subway to downtown los angeles to check out the latest exhibit at MOCA, The Museum of Contemporary Art. There is an intriguing exhibit at the Geffen called ECSTASY: In and About Altered States, an international survey of artists "exploring altered states and alternative modes of perception."

Check out the website. Yes, I did sit in the room where the giant mushrooms sprouted from the ceiling. There was a lot to see and what I learned through my experience of the works is that altering the states of one's perception takes people through many expressions of perspective.

A fascination with a flower for a visual expression of an altered state gave me the strange perspective of what life would look like for a bug. The media presentation landed his subject on a flower. Another artist wanted to express that altered states did not only heighten one's visual sensitivity but also their aural experience.... by having the museum visitor sit in a space (that looked like an egg from the outside) that was a visual parade of glitter and light with sound settling down at a strange acoustic vortex due to the shape of the space. Sit in the jewel encrusted space pod for an interesting take on reality.

I particularly enjoyed the 3 screen presentation of 3 perspectives at a time.. that gave some perpective on the intellectual and philosophical doors opened at altered states...it satisfied my inner scientist and artist at the same time. There is a lot to see and experience and you don't need to be on a trip to understand the art. The experience itself is dynamic, it moves away from the linear paradigm of everyday thought, makes everyone experience the rabbit hole that Alice found where you can make your own conclusions.

The curator, Paul Schimmel, comes out with interesting exhibits that are edgey. And from what I've read is a very fasincating fire in LA's art scene.

D and I left the Geffen Gallery and ventured to find some eats in nearby Japantown before catching the subway home. We grabbed some "moon cakes" at a bakery; nice and hot on a breezy, crisp night. We had a full day on the go... and my day was not yet near over...

A and I had plans to have people over at midnight to listen to her radio broadcast. We had a cosy crowd and conversation did not die down until after 4am. Where did the day go?

Anyway, I guess I had an ecstactic day...

JNET

PHOTOS: ACT TWO KNL .. Creation and Connection

Hello Friends,

Here are the photos from the second half of our show.. With many thanks to my brother and friends who've forwarded pictures to me. Be sure to check out the first half of the show too... and if any friends have photos that they would love me to include in my blog, please forward them to me... I would love to share them.

Many thanks to my family and friends... my new friends from KNL.. all your support and encouragement create a clearing in me making possible who I am and want to be..

Cheers :)

JNET





















ACT TWO:

SCENE 1: CREATION

Inspiration,

Creation,

Tribute


ALAGAD NG SINING

Kayaman Ng Lahi pays tribute to four Filipino artist icons who, by their vision, creativity and body of work, have defined the field of Philippine dance through their unique yet complementary achievements and successes. These "Alagad ng Sining," translated as workers of the arts, have truly excelled in preserving and presenting the rich and diverse culture of the Philippines. Their contributions serve as a consciousness that inspires us to continue this cultural celebration and journey into self and nation. They have inspired us to learn from the past and present in order to build our future.

Habing Sayawit means togetherness. The different regions, times, religions, and more put into one two-hour show. This shoud be interesting....

Janeil A.

Lucrecia Reyes Urtula / Bayanihan

Pattong / Vinta

Singkil

Francisca Reyes-Aquino & Jovity "Tita Betty" Sison Friese & Fil - Am Family

Pasikat Na Baso

Binoyugan

Rice Festival

Tinikling


Ramon Obusan /

Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group

Sugod Uno

Kadal Taho

Takiling

Ragragsakan

Jota Paragua

Bilang pagtangkilik at pasasalamat, sa lahat ng nagbigay inspirasyon, tanglaw na ilaw at karunungan sa aking culturing Pilipino, ito po ay para sa inyo... As my thanksgiving to all who gave me inspiration, vision, and knowledge in my Philippine culture, this concert is for you.

May C.

Born and raised in the United States, KNL helped me to understand more about my Filipino culture. I learned to appreciate who I am and where my parents came from.

Michelle R.

To dance is to create a bridge between soul and body... to express love and passion... respect and beauty....

The meaning of Habing Sayawit symbolizes growth, innovation and evolution.. It is a unique relationship with art and with life. This event and this concept represents art and life coming together as a cycle and a story of soul.

Jed D.

I believe that my culture is an important part of who I am. I joined Kayamanan Ng Lahi to learn more about the Philippine culture and customs. Joining KNL give me pride and fulfillment to be one of the Filipinos preserving our culture.

Sandra M.

This project has taught me to recognize that all aspects of my culture, family, history and myself have always co-existed.

Grace C.



Kayamanan Ng Lahi

Philippine Folk Arts

Celebrating 15 Years of Cultural Legacy

Aratani / Japan America Theatre





Kayamanan Ng Lahi

1990

Founded by Joel Jacinto, Boy Angos, Barbara Ele & Ave Jacinto

Goals: To transform our members through education and presentation






Habing Sayawit is hard work but fun. I learn a lot about my culture through dance and songs. I love my teachers.

R. age 10











Dancing is making a poem with movements rather than words. I am always moved to tears by the beauty and intention of art. You can only be in the moment. To study art, I find that I study being in the moment and through the study of being in the moment, I find myself being in love with my life through all circumstances. Beauty will always shine through in practicing to be connected to passion.




Being present to life, to community... being PRESENT.. is to be one with the force of life... it is during the times that I am not present... when I am floating with my thoughts and insecurities that I experience life as mundane or scary. I experience the power and beauty of life by being involved, by claiming my life from the ticking seconds. I made many mistakes along the way, dancing the wrong steps and playing incorrect notes but I am not committed to my mistakes, I am committed to something bigger than my mistakes...



"Habing Sayawit" - translated as woven dance and song - weaves an array of Philippine dance, song and music into a seamless tapestry of cultural reflection.




















If there was anything I was more present to in my involvement with KNL, it was commitment. In getting to know the dancers and becoming friends, I learned that people in the group were having babies, getting married, going through school, commuted long drives and had FULL lives..






It has been in my experience that busy people committed to great things always find the time to make room for anything of heart value for their life. Commitment is to take on the work of being up to something, not getting stuck in one's self-defeating thoughts and not getting slowed down by anything. Commitment is affirming a love of one's life by doing one's best... and all things are possible with love.








Dance is the hidden language of the soul.




Does beauty come from technique or practice... a formula or the abstraction of passion?

My conducting professor always stated that "life is practice"..

Committing to practice whether to music or dance or learning how to live, I've learned that one can become an athlete of God... every moment becomes a blessing... every experience a present.

10 meaningful years of created passion, passionate intentions, intended connections and clarity of cultural traditions mark a chapter of my moving experience discovering the treasures of my people, and more important, the treasure within.

DS P.

This dance is very special to me, "Ragragsakan." I loved it so much and had the most self-defeating thoughts going through my mind through each rehearsal. I loved singing the chant but struggled with balancing the basket for several months. I did everything in my head to not lose it and cry with self-pity. Listening to loud music after rehearsal and having good talkings to myself, encouraged me...


















I am the newest girl in the company of these seasoned dancers. It is a humbling place to be a beginner; a student... as a music teacher in a new realm, I created my friendships with the youngest members whose fun and teachable spirit inspired me as a learner and I was also encouraged by the welcoming spirit of the seasoned dancers that took time aside to coach me, assure me and make me feel a part of the KNL community.



And here I am ... happy and loving the moment being part of something beautiful.



When I practice music, I don't think of making wrong notes, but during my dance practice I found myself worrying over making a mistake. "Ragragsakan" is a dance that celebrates the daily work of the women that live in the mountain regions of the Philippines. After learning the self-defeating game I had inside my head in learning the dance, I was able to be free to enjoy learning it and to perform it as a celebration of work.




We are all possibilities of beautiful expressions, of love, of passion, of community, of friendship... of any great endeavor we can fathom dreaming...



It was a pleasure to celebrate my humanity.... art... creation... culture... and connection...

And make new friends...

This is the fruit of commitment.









KNL... Kayamanan Ng Lahi Folk Arts