DJAPMNHS Street Dance Routines

One of the formations in the routine.

The Routines

Ibaan is not just a municipality. It is a place where rich diversity of traditions and culture continue to reside in the hearts of every Ibaeno. From 1832 since its establishment up to present time, the town never fails to look back to its humble beginnings, the same way how its people remember the simple yet steadfast ways of living that provided a colossal impact to its modest socio-economic development. It is at this tenet that Kulambuan Festival is being celebrated in the Municipality for its people to remain attached and for the young generations to understand the things that shaped the town itself.

Ms. Alyza Soriano with her two escorts.

Kulambo Dance starts with an execution of “Pagbati” dance routines which is Ibaan’s way of greeting our Lord Jesus Christ on His ascension during Easter Sundays. “Pagbati” is almost synonymous to the municipality’s name itself for it has been practiced and performed for so long as our folks can remember.  The mother - daughter tandem of Mrs. Lilian Perez and Michelle Ebora, the "Pagabati-mentor-heir-apparent", take turns in guiding Ms. Alyza Soriano strut the Pagbati steps. At least basic steps are to be performed by Ms. Soriano at the start of the routines, providing the spark and ignition among dancers as street drums roll on the loud screaming speaker. 

Ms. Michelle mentoring Ms. Soriano.

Aside from having the same as form of thanks giving to all the blessings Ibaenos receive from God, Ibaenos also get their strength from unmoved and untarnished faith to their patron saint, Saint James the Greater. This allowed them to perform various forms of economic activities that keep the town moving on its journey to greatness.

Watching the Kulambo Dance routines, one will evidently see Ibaan’s trademark that made them popular. The first part will show “paghahabi”, a traditional way of hand-weaving blankets and other clothing materials. But more importantly, of white soft cotton mosquito net that has been sold all over the archipelago and undeniably put Ibaan at the pedestal of the same industry. Such is being followed by steps depicting processes of harvesting sugarcane which is the primary driving force that pushed economy between 1960 and 1970, up to present time. Alas, Ibaan “maglalako” will not be missed as well. With “bilao” full of Ibaan’s native and famous delicacy “tamales” , together with “basta” overflowing with different items, specifically with our kulambo, our Ibaan “maglalako” was able to reach the four corners of the country which made them popular and as one of the most industrious among Batanguenos.

Mrs. Perez in her pagbati form.

Thus, Kulambo Dance is not just a dance. It is Ibaan’s way of heritage.

 The Relationship

Despite the rigidness of the practice and the ensuing pressure from the competition itself, the working relationship of dancers, organizers, choreographers, and mentors remains calm as if everyone is just having a great doze of fun in the process. Watching them from distance, the best part of the practice can be seen on how Mrs. Michelle Ebora treat her dancers. Obviously, there exists a sweet bond between them, which of course is very important in any working activity. It's good thing to know there are teachers who know how to stoop down to the level of their students and still be one of them despite the differences on community status. In such, respect is given freely. Needless to say, dancer-students render their loyalty and dedication to the practice not because they fear of being reprimanded, but because they respect each other and their teachers. And street dance competition practice is not an exception.

Crisp laughter in students' company.

In between practice, much more during break, Mrs. Ebora takes time to chat and share laughter with the dancers. And yes, photos break the ice. The thing is, one of the reasons why the practice didn't go into rough sailing is because the teachers of DJAPMNHS are very much supportive of their dancers. Mrs. Perez and Mrs. Ebora, in particular, even during weekend practice, would stay up to late afternoon until the last student-dancer has boarded Mang Inggo's vintage jeep that will take them home. This, in turn, is highly appreciated by the dancers.  

Others may have been slashing their tongues against the back of those who have been sweating hard to make things possible for the street dance competition. With those photos that have been posted, hopefully they'll tie their tongue deep down their throat. And may they speak on how to make things better, instead of burying everyone alive six-feet under. 

Let everything flow like a professional-working-relationship and be part of putting Ibaan's pride at the pedestal. Calaca, here comes Ibaan!

More photos.
More photos.