Vancouver, BC
Internationally acclaimed cultural performing arts group, Kababayang Pilipino (KP), continues to elevate Filipino folk dance and music in their 23rd season.
On Sunday, June 26, 2016, KP proudly presents “Kawayan” at Gateway Theatre in Richmond, British Columbia. The Metro-Vancouver based group will showcase the bamboo (‘kawayan’ in Tagalog), and its use throughout various historical periods & regions of the Philippines.
Bamboo is one fastest growing plants in the world, is ubiquitous in the Philippine islands, and are of notable economic, social & cultural influences.
From the ‘nipa hut’ (which provides the most basic form of housing where bamboo is used), to musical instruments such as the ‘Gabbang’ (a xylophone made out of bamboo), this important raw material plays a significant role in Filipino folk art, dance, and music forms.
Bamboo is the connecting element that links the people of the Philippines from northern Luzon and southern Mindanao; it is the thread that links bygone eras to the generations to come.
“Kawayan” explores both the diversity and the commonality that makes the Philippines and its cultural heritage so abundantly rich.
Kababayang Pilipino, together on stage with KP Kids (children ranging from ages 4 to 15 years old), comprises of an ensemble of over 100 members. The world-famous dance company will take you on a cultural journey of the Filipino heritage through authentic folk dance and music. From colourful costumes to intricate movements, and the beats of the tribal drum or clapping bamboos, the main-stage production of “Kawayan” truly provides an opportunity for its members, and the community at large, to learn about the history and beautiful culture of the Philippines.
“In its 23rd season, Kababayang Pilipino presents “Kawayan” at the Gateway Theatre in Richmond on June 26th, 2016. “Kawayan” is the Tagalog word for bamboo, one of the fastest growing plants in the world, is ubiquitous in the Philippine islands and are of notable economic, social and cultural difference.
From the “nipa hut”, which provides the most basic form of housing where bamboo is used, to musical instruments such as the gabbang, a xylophone made out of bamboo, this important raw material also plays an important role in Philippine folk art dance and music forms.
Bamboo is a connecting element that links the people of the Philippines, from northern Luzon and southern Mindanao; it is the thread that links eras gone by and the generations to come. “Kawayan” explores both the diversity and the commonality that makes the Philippines and it’s cultural heritage so abundantly rich.” – With Rich Zeuq Magtibay Abarquez.