Sinukwan Kapampangan (SiKap), a culture and arts advocacy group based in this highly-urbanized city, has exhibited a lineup of Kapampangan folk dances during the culminating activity of Kalinangan Kapampangan: A Celebration of Kapampangan Culture and the Arts, on October 29, 2021.

Held virtually over the SiKap Facebook page, the online event aims to raise awareness and appreciation of Kapampangan arts and culture through an ensemble of traditional music and dance. The event, which was held in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Kalinga ng Sining Program, and the City Government of Angeles, is also a bold step to counter the impacts of the ongoing pandemic to the culture, arts, and live entertainment sector.

“Let us be proud and continue preserving, promoting and developing our culture. Malaking pasasalamat po ang aming iniaabot sa mga institusyon at mga indibidwal na tumulong upang maisakatuparan ang programang ito,” said Peter De Vera, Artistic Director of SiKap.

During the culminating activity, four (4) Kapampangan folk dances were showcased. These are: Paseo De Bacolor (Valse De Bacolor), a dance of Kapampangan courtship; Mamaduas Tamu, a dance portraying the Kapampangan frog-catching skills; Florida Blanca, a tribute dance about the Kapampangan white flora; and Salakban, a Kapampangan word which means ‘to entrap’ which depicts the Kapampangan skill of catching a mudfish using a ‘salakab’.

Carmencita “Chinggay” Jasareno Bernardo, Head of the CCP Cultural Exchange Department, reaffirmed her support to SiKap, having been an active partner of CCP in promoting Filipino art and heritage across the archipelago.

“Sarado ang mga teatro pero tuloy ang sining -this has been the advocacy of CCP since the pandemic started. Many of our artists, cultural workers and organizations have been greatly affected by the continuing impact of the world crisis. CCP has repurposed many of its programs to be able to extend assistance and support to the creative sector all over the country,” said Bernardo.

“CCP recognizes the initiative of SiKap, not only to document, teach and promote Kapampangan folk dances, but more importantly, utilize the power of art to instill pride for local creative works and provide opportunities to local artists, especially during these trying times,” the CCP executive added.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. also graced the virtual presentation where he delivered a message of solidarity and support to the creative sector. The city mayor also disclosed the initiatives undertaken by his administration to spur the promotion of Angeleño arts and culture, not only in the local setting but also, to raise Angeleño ingenuity for other nations to behold.

Meanwhile, a two-day online dance workshop about the Kapampangan folk dances was also staged by the group prior to the virtual dance showcase. Schools and institutions that have participated in the said workshop include: City College of Angeles, Holy Angel University , Nasah Montessori , Mabalacat City College , Don Honorio Ventura State University , City College of San Fernando , Angeles City National Trade School, St. Scholastica’s Academy – San Fernando, Telesforo and Natividad Alfonso High School, College of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Pampanga High School, Our Lady of Fatima University, Porac Model Community High School , and Malabanias Integrated School.

The initiative has also earned the support of the Philippine Folk Dance Society – Pampanga Chapter, Department of Education – Division of Angeles City, Robinsons Place Angeles, and K-Café.