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.

DJAPMNHS To Star For Ibaan In Street Dance Competition

Ms. Myla with the choreographer in a huddle with the dancers.

Dr. Juan A. Pastor Memorial National High School (DJAPMNHS) is set to showcase Ibaan’s rich culture and tradition by accepting the challenge to take part in Street Dance Competition, in lieu of Batangas Province’s Founding Anniversary Celebration, which will be held at Calaca, Batangas on December 8, 2011.

Despite pressing schedule to participate in another Provincial level competition, also in December, DJAPMNHS willingly, and without hesitation, accepted the offer to represent Ibaan when they were first approached by Ibaan Municipality’s representatives headed by Ms. Myla Guerra-Soriano, Municipal Tourism Officer. With the school’s almost a thousand population, the Municipality faces limited odds in finding talents. The school stands proud as a never ending hot spring and one great melting pot for the same reason and purpose. DJAPMNHS is thus a rational choice to strut the Ibaan way at the street dance competition.

DJAPMNHS' coordinators with Ma'am Myla.

 

 

 

 

 

 Heeding The Call

                Making a decision to accept the challenge is never an easy one. Street dance requires a number of students to be in the practice. That would also mean sacrificing the students-participants’ academic activities. However, the prestige of officially representing Ibaan is another thing that can’t be forsaken. And despite any difficulties in making it possible, DJAPMNHS willfully opened their gates to embrace the hope of keeping the fire alive to become number one in the Province in such category.

                According to the school’s administration, lending their students to the competition is both a challenge and a privilege for them. And choosing them to be at the front seat of the contest already made them proud as Pastorians.

                “We believe on the capability of our students. We know they won’t fail us”, says Mrs. Lilian Perez who took charge of choosing would-be student-participants together with her daughter, who is also a teacher at the said school, and other members of the school’s administration.

                For the school, the challenge comes with the desire of proving to the rest of the Province of Batangas that, although a public school, their students’ arsenal is locked and loaded with reliable talents, and at par with other private schools. There is no holding back, now that the opportunity is already at hand.

Some of the brave and the bold DJAPMNHS dancers.

                What is even more important for the DJAPMNHS is the privilege of carry the flags of Ibaenos in such prestigious competition. Although it’s still one step away from the national level, the said competition is more than enough to push them to the limits to prove they are worthy opposition for other municipalities.

The Participants

                Even during the first meeting with the Municipality’s representatives, the school administration’s mind is already running wild like a computer matrix, immediately uploading names of their students who have the guts, charisma and the talent to be on the street for the glory of Ibaan. As mentioned earlier, the odds are too nil to be considered a problem. The school provides a kaleidoscope of everything and everyone, more than enough to meet anything that is needed to win.

                Majority of the participants were chosen from 4^th year level. The group is divided into two with boys at one side and the ladies on the other. All in all, there are more than 60 participants stomping on the tune of taking home the honors and laurel at stake of the street dance competition.

                I for myself can hardly cast any doubt on the school’s capability. In the last Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012 Fashion Show, as part of the local talent presentation, DJAPMNHS dancers, who are also members of the group, have proven their worth. Their dancers took the last spot of the program. And just as when the audience is feeling the nausea from within, the crowd went gaga when they started dancing the beat of “Bongga Ka ‘Day” song. And as for my exaggeration, had the roof been laid lower over Recto Gym, DJAPMNHS dancers would have raised it to the delight of screaming crowd.

                And before it could be forgotten, members of the famous Ibaan youth oriented group KALIBAYAN are also mixed up with DJAPMNHS dancers to add up more spice on their performance.

Taking a break from practice with a bowl of soup.

The Support

                Since DJAPMNHS is throwing their all-out-support to their student-participants and to Ibaan Municipality’s dream to grab the most coveted Street Dance title, the Municipality for itself is also pouring everything they can so as not to derail the preparations.

                After listing down the names of the students, parents were then called for a meeting to explain how things will be during the practice and during the competition. And for the parents not to worry, the Municipality for itself will provide the students’ costume that will be used for the competition. And during the practice, government and private vehicles, particularly those of Mayor Danny Toreja’s, will take the students home after the practice.

                The students are also being provided with vitamins, through the Office of the Mayor and Municipal Health Office, to maintain their strength and stamina during the practice, leading to the competition proper.

Still finding reasons to smile although tired and exhausted.

The Practice

                Surprisingly, after three days of practice from the time the dance group was assembled, the group was already able to master their dance piece –the basics which will be used while on parade and the contest piece for the competition proper.

                Although it’s already an achievement since things just started rolling, the school’s administration is not moved at all. From the start, they know very well their students and they are all too proud to speak of the level of DJAPMNHS’ caIiber. And that’s how fast their students can catch up with what is being taught to them.

                The practice will run daily for the next 20 days or so as may be needed. But since the routines are almost complete, the only thing that is left to do is to polish and to perfect the steps and blocking. And couple of days before the contest proper, the group will stage their piece with their costumes on at Ibaan streets for Ibaenos to see how they’ll perform at Calaca. But more importantly, to have a clearer view of any lose ends on street blocking.

                Expectedly, the practice will run smoothly until December. At this early stage of preparations, the Municipality of Ibaan is thankful how things are falling into their places as scheduled. According to Mayor Danny Toreja, DJAPMNHS is very cooperative and one thing that he appreciates the most is the school’s open communication and coordination with the municipality’s street dance organizers (organizers from Ibaan municipality include Ms. Myla Guerra-Soriano, Mun. Administrator Rico Caringal and Mr. Joel Patena).

All eyes for the big win in Calaca Street Dance Contest.

                The Street Dance Competition to be held at Calaca is one those events that will feature different presentations from different cities and municipalities all over the Province of Batangas. Other events to watch out for are trade fairs, float competition, and Mutya Ng Batangan Pageant. Due to the ongoing Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012 competition, Ibaan decided not to field an entry for Mutya Ng Batangas Pageant. But among others, Ibaan will be there to showcase Ibaenos culture and traditions.

                 Choreographers from San Jose, Batangas was called in to train the students. Mr. Jojo de Castro also provides a hand in establishing the dance's concept. But basically, the dance somehow is an interpretative dance showcasing Ibaan humble beginnings and its culture as applied in an street dance genre.

                With 63 or more expected to participate, Street Dance Competition is where I am placing my bet for Ibaan to win.

                Kudos to DJAPMNHS!

 More photos of DJAPMNHS Street Dancers

(In days to come, TIA will try posting more photos and video clips of their practice as we follow their journey to judgment day.)