The homegrown Kahayag Dance Company of Dumaguete was conferred a national recognition for “achieving the highest level of artistic excellence, and brining honor to the country” during the 9th Ani ng Dangal Awards of the National Commission for Culture & the Arts (NCCA) held Feb. 27 in Intramuros, Manila.
The Kahayag, which was formed in 2004 as Silliman University’s dance troupe based at the College of Performing & Visual Arts, continued to represent the country in international events starting in 2006.
“With this award, Kahayag will strive, more than ever, to continue giving honor and pride to the country, to Negros Oriental, and to Dumaguete,” said Engel Boen Zerna, artistic director. “As the highest award for Filipinos in the field of arts, the Ani ng Dangal is an affirmation of all the talent, hard work, and sacrifices made by our local dancers,” he added.
Zerna said that as a dance artist and cultural worker, his ultimate objective is to preserve, cultivate, and promoting the country’s diverse culture through dance.
Cesar Montaño, COO of the National Tourism Promotions Board, committed his full support to help strengthen the Kahayag.
Shirley Halili Cruz, chair of the NCCA Committee on Dance, also expressed her admiration for Kahayag’s vigor and sheer talent. Shirley founded 43 years ago the Halili Cruz Dance Company, which has reaped awards in the international dance scene.
Meanwhile, theater artist Dessa Quesada-Palm, chair of the NCCA Committee on Dramatic Arts, and head of the Youth Advocates for Theater Arts, said of the national awardee: “I am extremely proud as a transplant in Dumaguete and as a cultural worker now based in Dumaguete to see that the recognition that was first bestowed outside the country is now recognized here in the Philippines, and by the National Commission. I hope it inspires more of Kahayag, the dancers themselves, to create more that’s culturally-rooted, and something that really becomes a pride not only of Dumaguete, but also of the country.”
The Ani ng Dangal is an annual event which gives recognition to artists who have brought pride to the country by earning international honors. (Aiken Emmanuel Quipot)
