Filipino arts group Kababayang Pilipino celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend by welcoming Jonah Martin, a senator from the Philippines, to this years galas performance titled Kinabukasan.
Semi-professional senior and child dancers have been preparing since September for their upcoming performances at the Vancouver Playhouse, June 15 and 16.
This is the first time weve had this many VIP guests in attendance, said Christina Florencio, senior dancer for Kababayang Pilipino.
Vancouver-Kensington MLA Mable Elmore, Vice-Consul for the Philippine Consulate Anthony Mandap and artistic director for San Franciscos Likha-Pilipino Folk Ensemble Rudi C. Soriano are some of the dignitaries scheduled to attend the event.
The gala performance will showcase the talents of both young and old, says Florencio.
Being able to see the history of all our works on the stage, were reflecting on the whole 20 years as well as featuring the kids. We have young kids starting at the age of five and this is the first time that they are going to be doing a lot of dances.
Kababayang Pilipinos mandate is to preserve traditional Filipino culture by transitioning from first generation to second generation Filipinos. Engaging youth members is key to the groups success says Kababayang Pilipino founding member and artistic director Randy Romero.
The title of Kinabukasan means looking forward, he said. There are 29 children fully participating in the show and we will debut some new dances and pieces that have never have been performed in Canada or by the company. Also, former dance performing artists will return as alumni and perform as part of the show.
For more details, go to kababayangpilipino.org.
