PRESS RELEASE NO. 99-2023

Participants share a photo with the Head of the Consulate’s Cultural and Public Diplomacy section, Vice Consul Leizel Caasi (first row, rightmost) and with their Bayanihan mentors (center, joining virtually) at the conclusion of the Sentro Rizal virtual masterclass. 

18 September 2023, Honolulu – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, through its Sentro Rizal, successfully concluded its virtual masterclass on Philippine Folk Dance last September 17. The masterclass was a joint project of the Philippine Consulate, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Bayanihan, the National Dance Company of the Philippines.

The highlight of the third and final session was the culminating dance performance of the participants wherein Bayanihan’s Dance Director and Choreographer, Mr. Ferdinand “Bong” Jose, provided feedback.

Participants perform the Kappamalong-malong dance in front of live and virtual audiences.

Members of Honolulu-based dance groups Tekniqlingz and Dabawenyos, who participated in the masterclass, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the activity. Both groups said they will use what they learned in furthering their skills in Philippine folk dance. 

In her message, Vice Consul Leizel Caasi thanked NCCA, the Bayanihan, and the participants for the collaboration and expressed the wish that this flagship event would pave the way for more meaningful activities.

The activity was capped with a celebratory salu-salo of Filipino food and drinks. (END)