For two consecutive weeks, the Dumaguete City public has been regaled with the offering of talents as part of Kisaw, the local celebration of the National Arts Month, brought into fruition by the combined efforts of the Dumaguete City Tourism Office, the Youth Advocates through Theater Arts, BellTower Project, and Gugma Gaia, with support from the National Commission for Culture & the Arts.
On Feb. 10, a concert at the foot of the Belltower dubbed Huni sa Kampanaryo celebrated local songwriters and singers, many of whom performed their original compositions. Glynda Descuatan opened the program with a brief introduction of the celebration, followed by performances of Kaykay and Chelsea, Ally Ellewood (Venus Veritas), YONA, Simon Alvarez, with Istorya Isla closing the evening with their music that aimed to reflect culture and human experience.
On Feb. 17th, the power of poetry, music and drama captivated and titillated the hearts of those who filled up the tempurahan seats during the Balak, Balitaw ug uban pa sa Tempurahan program. Hosted by Nicky Dumapit, the performing artists included Balitaw pairs and accompanists from Asian College, Piapi High School, Camanjac National High School, and last year’s winning team from Foundation University; readers and poets Glynda Descuatan, Enchi ‘s Bembem Timtim, Kenneth Catipay, Jamcee Catubig, Faith Cuenca, Lendz Barinque, Doem John Oguilla, songwriter Jesza Lirazan, with keyboard player Ramon Cuartela and folk singers Iquit, Elsa and Felix Alcaide from Bgy Bantayan.
Other events that took place were the Teatro Kilat sa Tiangge, a mob theater by YATTA and Asian College thespians at the putohan lining the market place; and Sayaw Pinoy, a dance festival featuring groups from around the country brought to Dumaguete by the NCCA Committee on Dance, and featuring the local MEV Dance Company.
Puting Tabing sa Terminal was held Feb. 24 at the Ceres Bus Terminal.
On Sunday, Feb. 26, the Tayada sa Parke will be held at 5pm at the Quezon Park, featuring some of the City’s best performing groups.
The Dagit Arts Fest, an art exhibit featuring more than 40 artists and a crafts fair, will run until Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Robinsons Place. (YATTA)