SINING BULAKENYO (SiBul) CONNECTS THRU THE WORLD

By RODEL M. FRONDA

Sining Bulakenyo (SiBul) from the Province of Bulacan, the official dance company of Barasoain Centre for Innovative Education (BarCIE) of the University of Regina  Carmeli in Malolos City,  represented the Philippines in the recently concluded 2^nd Arsena International Folklore Festival held in Jarkarta, Indonesia last June 24 to July 4, 2009. The festival was organized by CIOFF Indonesia and Arsena Media Kreasi.

International Folk dance groups from Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Poland and the Philippines participated in the festival. Performances during the two-week festivities was a great experience for SiBul who for the 1^st time joined the international arena outside the country.

In its 6 years of existence, this may be considered the best achievement of the group that will definitely provide more opportunities and open better horizons in the future. One of the highlights in their Indonesian stint was the command performance  at the Embassy of the Philippines tin Jakarta. Ambassador Vidal Erfel Querol and his wife, who is native of Baliuag, Bulacan, were so elated and proud of hosting the group.

The trip was made possible by so many people who openly supported SIBUL-BarCIE led by the Bulacan Provincial Governor Joselito R.  Mendoza, PYSEACO Head Ms. Elizabeth L. Alonzo and her staff , Congresswoman  Marivic Alvarado, Guiguinto Mayor Isagani Pascual, Bulacan Tourism Officer Emma Gonda and Guiguinto Accountant Eugenio Payungayong,. Special thanks should also be given to dear friends like Tita Lalaine Lopez, Torvic Marcelo, Dra. Georgette Dionisio, Ms. Arlene Pascual, Ms. Joy Francisco, Tita El, Kaka Estrella, Tess Roque, Ding Dimagiba, Jonathan de Jesus, Pepot Vinta, Darlo Ibay, Charne Noprada, our dear Mam Sonjee, Ody Oyales, MDE of Pagadian, Barasoain Kalinangan, PYSEACO and so many others including the families and relatives of the dancers and staff of the touring party who have made our dream a reality.

For 10 unforgetable days, Sibul performed gracefully and proud, showcasing the diverse, rich and colorful culture of the Philippines. They enjoyed the various activities of the festival like animation, street parade, city tour, press conferences, acquaintance parties, cultural tours and performances. The stint once again proved the friendliness of the Filipinos and showed the world that we are indeed a nation of talents and artists.

Hopefully, now that we’re back to work, in school and the daily rehearsals and performances, the group will still find time to get in touch with their new found friends and perhaps meet again and perform together once more.