MABIKAs Foundation performs a 3-act opening for the Photo Exhibition entitled ‘Framing Indigenous Culture’ held in Amsterdam on February 21, 2019 and was organized by Sinchi Foundation, a non-profit that upholds the UN’s declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and supports the preservation of indigenous culture & knowledge.
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
“Who you are about to watch performing a cultural song and dance are genuine Igorots or indigenous people from the mountainous region of Northern Philippines. What you are about to see is a 3-act performance, which also contains our message. The first act is a song entitled Danum (which means water) and rendered to you by Mercedes Dewalan. It’s a song about freedom–not just freedom from captivity or slavery, but also freedom from self-limiting beliefs. The second act is a community dance called Bendian, which literally means dance until you get tired. This dance is characterized by circular movements, which symbolizes unity. Unity is also what we need in order to gain that freedom we all are fighting for. But for us to be united, we at MABIKAs Foundation find it important to say NO to prejudice and YES to understanding, NO to ignorance and YES to wisdom, NO to competition and YES to collaboration. Hence, it is an honor and a privilege to be performing here tonight in front of you and for this special occasionsion brought to us by Sinchi Foundation. The third act is live gong playing and dancing to remind us all, especially us indigenous people anywhere in the world, to stay alive and keep ourselves sustainable no matter what.”
~ Excerpt from the introductory words of Myra Colis, Founding Chairperson of MABIKAs Foundation
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Singer: Mercedes Dewalan
Gong Players: Renijune Abaya, Janet Barcena, Christine Moncado Dancers: Yvonne Belen, Myra Colis, Tessie Gayao, Luniza Taoil
Bendian Dance Narrator & Kulisteng Player: Cesar Taguba
Video Credit: Sam Saad
