FOR 12 years and counting, the Pasinaya festival continues to showcase the unique and evolving Filipino creativity. Here are six remarkable performances during this year’s festival held last Feb. 7 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
1) Ballet Philippines: Journey to the Pool
Ballerinas immersed into a swim as they move in synchronized flips and strokes. Their powerful stunts transport the audience into a dive of underwater movements. The dancers’ swift and energetic performance navigates a spectator’s imagination. The “flippers” proved that ballets can create a captivating performance sans pointe shoes and tutus.
2) UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe: Facing Social Issues
The Salinggawi interpreted the country’s social issues and its effects through dance. Their graceful and striking movements depict struggling lives. The performance symbolically progresses in seeking help through religious faith.
3) Triple Fret: Good Things Come in Three
The Filipina Guitar Trio of Jenny de Vera, Iqui Vinculado, and Marga Abeja showcased a dazzling performance as their fingers run through guitar strings. Performing arranged pieces of “Danza” from Jardin de Oriented, “Balao de Gude,” and “Pandangguhan,” the virtuosos exhibited their steadfast guitar plucking skills. The last piece, a Jamaican folk song “Calypso,” was rendered to the audience with the trio sharing a guitar.
4) Yugto Theater Ensemble “Open the Door”: Politicians at their Finest
The Theater Ensemble from Mapúa rendered a talk show, “Open the Door” about a politician who is running for the same position as the head of their town. Given a chance to speak for the truth, the politician’s secretary exposes the audience for all the wrong doings her boss committed. As a result, the secretary gets pulled away from stage by the security guards of the talk show.
5) Utos ng Hari by Tanghalang Ateneo: Wild Students Against Control
“Utos ng Hari” was a lively depiction of Jun Cruz Reyes’ short story on the problems of a student because of his teachers’ treatment. Directed by Ricardo Abad and staged by Tanghalang Ateneo, the play was downright funny. Sufficed by the lead Jojo when he says, “Ay buhay estudyante. Makauno lang, kahit lulunin ang sariling dila.” Be sure to keep yourself on your toes when Mr. Discipline bites back at you, “Dahil estudyante ka pa lang, tiis.” The short story definitely came to life through the depiction of the theater guild with all the wackiness and how relatable it was for students.
6) Ukulele Underground Philippines: Pluck Away the Blues
They say that the ukulele is the happiest instrument on earth. People are drawn to its sound for its light, fun, and laidback vibe. Ukulele players of different ages from Ukulele Underground Philippines strummed and plucked away in the chill afternoon. Hearing them was the perfect way to wind down at this year’s Pasinaya. Even the seniors were rocking out the ukulele! F JASMINE JOY P. SALANGA and JESSICA T. TINAO
