folkartsociety

The Kalinangan Dance Troupe is a group of young Filipino Canadians dedicated

to the preservation of Philippine culture and traditions through music,song and dance

The group was formed in May of 1996 through the initiative of Mr Alvin D. Veloso,

who has been the President of the Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec since 1992,and

was formally introduced to the community during the Philippine Centennial Year celebration

with their debut performance of "Pilipino Ako" and "Bayan Ko".

The formation of the dance troupe was made possible through the help of Leticia

Bulotano-Wheeler, its administrator and vice-president of Folklore Canada International;

Cecile Estioko-Hernandez,artistic director and choreographer; Michele Katherine Veloso,

the first dance director, 1998-2000.

The Kalinangan Dance Troupe has grown as an ambassador of Filipino culture,

sharing Filipino folklore and culture with different communities.

Since its formation, the troupe has performed internationally at the X11 Festival

Folklorico de los pueblos del mundo in the Extremadura Region of Spain(Almendralejo,

Badajos, Spain) and recieved raved reviews for their spectacular performance.

The Kalinangan dancers joined participants from Russia,Spain,Senegal,Panama,

Turkey,Greece,Hungary,Yugoslavia,Croatia,Caucasus,India,Argentina,Ivory Coast, and from

Korea.They were also invited to perform in Mexico in 1999 but had to decline the invitation

for lack of time.

Locally, the dance troupe participated in the International Folklore Festival held in

Lachine, Quebec;Binibining Pilipinas of the World Beauty Pegeant in Toronto;at the Montreal

Convention Center, on the occasion of the visit to Montreal of Philippine President Fidel V.

Ramos; the 1999 Gloval Beauty Quest International Pageant at Place des Arts and the summer festival at the Montreal Botanical Garden and at the old port during Canada Day.

The Kalinangan Dance Troupe is known for the quality and beauty of their repertoires.

Due to changes of members, the Kalinangan Dance Troupe has changed its

administrative structure to provide the dancers continuous and adequate help. The Philippine

Folk Art Society of Quebec has created the administrative council composed of Alvin D.

Veloso, president; Annie Miaral, executive vice-president; Monica Altares, vice-president

for the Kalinangan Dance Troupe; Lettie Bolotano-Wheeler, administrator; Albert Gutierrez,

assistant administrator; and Byron Olivares, director of dance and a representative from

the parents.

PILIPINO AKO: January 11, 12. 1997. College Jean-d-Brebeuf auditorium, Montreal,

Quebec, Canada. A historical tableau of Filipino dances and songs featuring the Kalinangan

Dance Troupe and the Philippine Folk Art Society's chorale ensemble.

Production Staff: Alvin D. Veloso, President, Over-all chaiman, Souvenir Program;

Cecille E. Hernandez, Artistic director and choreographer; Dr Victor Gavino, Director

of music, Director of Production; Michele K.Veloso, dance director, assistant stage

director; Angie Ello, pianist; Lettie Bulotano-Wheeler, administrator; Lydia del Pilar,

Scriptwriter and narrator; Grace Gavino, chair, parents committee; Sandy Hernandez,

Drex Meriales, Finance;Jess Olivares, Props;Dante Faidiga, video.

BAYAN KO: May 24, 1998, Salle Pierre Mercure, Centre Pierre-Peladeau, Montreal,

Quebec. A travelogue highlighting Philippine beautiful scenes and sights and the country's

political and economic progress for the last 100 years.

Production Staff: Alvin Veloso, President, over-all chaiman, scriptwriter, Souvenir program;

Cecile E. Hernandez, Artistic director and choreographer;Michele K. Veloso, Dance director;

Angie Ello, Director chorale Ensemble; Edith Fedalizo, pianist; Ralito Meriales, Director of

Production;Lettie Bulotano Wheeler, administrator; Nilda Meriales, Chair, parents committee;

Jess Olivares, props; JD Tabamo Video Productions, video.

Debutantes' Ball ( Cotillon): This erstwhile royal-courtroom dance, which involves

waltz steps and changing partners, was brought to the Philippines by the Europeans in the

late 1500 and gain popularity as a social gala among the elite of Philippine society.

The evolution of this elegant tradition has made the cotillon a popular event for parents

to introduce their young daughters to the adult society at their eighteenth birthday.

Since 1989. the Philippine Folk Art Society of Quebec has alternated with the

Federation of Filipino Canadian Associations of Quebec in promoting and preserving this

beautiful cultural legacy.Some 38 young Filipino girls had joined the Philippine Folk Art

Society sponsored cotillon since the introduction of the tradition in the community.

Kasaysayan Lectures:

Major project on hand: Revival of the chorale ensemble and formation of a rondalla.