Concert at the Park presents "Dances From Our Islands"

The pride of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija – the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) Folkloric Group, under the artistic direction of Mr. Felino I. Quipse, take center stage this Sunday, October 22, 2006, starting at 5:00 p.m., in Concert at the Park, in a program aptly titled “Dances from our Islands”. Hosting this regular public service project of the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), under Executive Director Carlito A. Fajardo, is Ms. Minette Padilla.

The Nueva Ecija University of Science & Technology (NEUST), formerly called the Central Luzon Polytechnic College (CLPC) , is located “at the heart of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, the well-known granary of Central Luzon”. In its adherence to preserve and promote the cultures of Nueva Ecija and its nearby regions, the college formed the CLPC Folkloric Performing Dance Troupe in the mid ‘70s, under the leadership of Dr. Bienvenido Ferrer II. The group earned accolades in their various engagements, including becoming the Grand Champion of the Philippine Folk Fest held at the Folk Arts Theater in 1982. In 1986, Dr. Ferrer was replaced by the late Dr. Arcadio Alvaran. In 1997 up to the present the troupe, which bears the name of NEUST Folkloric Group, is guided by its artistic director/choreographer Felino Quipse, a former member of the Araullo University Dance Troupe of Cabanatuan City.

The NEUST Folkloric Group is the holder of the 2005 and 2006 Grand Champion in the Cultural Dance for Regional Competition, which brought them to various places in the country. The group’s expertise lies not only in folk dancing but in street dancing as well. They are the Grand Slam Champion for three consecutive years (2003-2005) in the Street Dancing Competition in Nueva Ecija. With the able support of Dr. Hilario Ortiz (OIC President of NEUST), Dr. Angel Pangilinan (VP for Academic Affairs) and Dr. Agnes Sotto (Literary & Cultural Director), the NEUST Folkloric Group, with the able guidance of Felino Quipse, is expected to reach new heights and explore new horizons for the promotion of our cultural heritage.

“Dances From Islands” is composed of the following dance suites: Cordillera – BENDIAN from Benguet, MAN-MANOK from Vigan, BANGA, BUMAYAH UYAUY from Ifugao; Maria Clara – LA JOTA MONCADENA, SINAKIKI, HABANERA BOTOLENA, POLKABAL, PASEO DE NOVO ECIJANO; Muslim Tribal Dance – MAHATOD, PIG-APIR, KINI-KINI, KINUGSIK-KUGSIK, SINGKIL; and Rural Dance – PANDANGGO SA ILAW, SALA TI MAIS, REGATONES, KARATONG, MAGKARIPAS, MAGLALATIK, TINIKLING.

Witness the richness of our heritage through our dances and music this Sunday, October 22, 2006, 5:00 p.m., at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium, Manila. Admission is free.

*All skeds may be subject to change without prior notice