Hidden Treasures of the North: Alonzo Saclag, High school final essays of Performing arts

Download Hidden Treasures of the North: Alonzo Saclag and more High school final essays Performing arts in PDF only on Docsity! TITLE: “Hidden Treasures of the North: Alonzo Saclag” (History and short personal info about Alonzo) In the late 1960’s, the KAYAW Kalinga Dance Troupe which meant kayaw or old practices of headhunting in Kalinga, was founded by Cirilo Bawer a local Kalinga resident whose intention is to revive Kalinga’s traditional dances and culture. Growing up, Bawer had witnessed how traditional dances slowly faded. The religious catholic congregation had forbidden these traditions for it was said to be practicing “barbaric acts”. Year 1967, College of Theresita School in Lubuagan was in the verge of closing down due to financial problems which is an opportune moment that time for faculties who are co- founders of KAYAW as the First Lady Imelda Marcos opened doors for promoting folk arts (Bayanihan) in the Philippines. KAYAW Kalinga Dance Troupe took this opportunity of showcasing Kalinga’s hidden treasure and was able to perform concerts such as “KAYAW: Kalinga Headhunting Epic” held in Manila’s Philippine American Life and General Insurance also known as Philam Life on Semptember 6- 8, 1968. After successfully saving College of Theresita School from shutting down and preserving Kalinga’s traditions, The Budong Kalinga Cultural Troupe took over KAYAW with the same aims of preserving and reviving Kalinga’s traditional dances and culture. Established in the year 1974, Budong in other words peace- pact, was founded because of the occurring dispute between politics (Marcos Regime) and locals of Kalinga who are against the construction of hydroelectric dams under Chico River. The feud caused bloodbaths of three Kalingas including tribe leader Macliing Dulag. Evidences are fabricated to prove Dulag’s involvement to the New People’s Army, were charged against him and was shot to death. Because of this inhumane action, World Bank had withdrawn from funding Ferdinand’s Chico River Dam Project. You might be wondering, “Who lead the Budong Kalinga Cultural Troupe?” To answer this question, can you still recall who Cirilo Bawer is? Yes, you’re right. Bawer is the head leader for Budong Kalinga Cultural Troupe together with Alonzo Saclag who later on headed Budong. So, “Who is Alonzo Saclag?” and “How did he reinforce the hidden treasures of the north” The story of Alonzo Saclag began at the Northern Region of Luzon, Lubuagan Kalinga. Born on the 4th of Septemeber, 1942, Saclag is a father of nine and husband of Rebecca Saclag. Without professional educational background, Alonzo Saclag was able to pass on Kalinga’s traditional dances, beliefs and laws by just observing and experience. Not only he effectively endeavored in passing on traditional dance patterns to younger generations and captivated the hearts of tourists, Mr. Saclag himself learned how to play traditional Kalinga instruments such as tungali and gangsa. He would encourage people especially students to wear Kalinga’s traditional clothing for important school events. And he even promoted Kalinga music in their local radio broadcasting station. All his efforts had paved as he won the award for National Living Treasures Award or GAMABA AWARD year 2000.