PAMANA ng LuzViMinda Philippine Folkloric Dance Company was founded in 2005, in the hopes of preserving traditional Filipino music and dances in the youth of the Filipino-Canadian community in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. For more information, visit www.pamanacanada.com
If you are looking for a dynamic cultural entertainment for your event, you can hire PAMANA to perform! The dances below are some of our most requested performances for wedding, anniversary, birthday party, parade, cultural events and more. Large or small, we welcome all events!
Prices vary according to the type of dance, number of performers required, and production value (props, costumes, music). Choose one (1) or more dances then choose one (1) of its variation. Scroll below for our list of dances from our Rural and Muslim suite.
Please note: While the Spanish suite (also known as Maria Clara suite) the Cordillera suite and the Southern tribal suite are not shown in this portfolio. They are also available upon requests. (Portfolio and videos coming soon!).
CONTACT INFORMATION: Karyn Gamay (Artistic Director) Email: kgamay@pamanacanada.com Call/text: +1 (514) 655-0627
RURAL SUITE
Rural dances represent a way of life in the Christianized lowlands throughout the Philippines. They are usually the most well-known and loved of all traditional Philippine dances. They exemplify a love of life and work, utilizing bright and colorful costumes. PAMANA is renowned for its rural repertoire, bringing audiences to their feet at numerous performances. Combining several dances of skill into one lively, jaw-dropping performance, PAMANA is sure to amaze its audience with its signature suite.
Most popular requests: TINIKLING, PANDANGGO SA ILAW, KARATONG, BULAKLAKAN, SAYAW SA BANKO
Disclaimer: Costumes, performers and choreography may vary.
TINIKLING (3 min)
Dance variations includes: 1, 2 or 3 couples alongside their clickers, with or without an animation. Note: An animation is a short tutorial session to allow for your guests to step into the bamboo with the guidance of our dancers!
*Safety requirement: Please refrain using flash photography.
Description: The movements are based on the long-legged tikling bird while it avoids bamboo traps set up by farmers in rice fields. Performers dance through these bamboos that open and close to an accelerating rhythm. This is one of PAMANA’s signature performance, stylizing a few modern elements with traditional movements.
Background photo credit: One-Blink Photography (2012). Video credit: Andres Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
PANDANGGO SA ILAW / OASIWAS (5 min)
Dance variation(s) includes: 2, 3 or 4 couples (3 couples recommended).
*Safety requirement: Please refrain using flash photography.
*Other requirements: For best experience, low lighting enhances the candle light during the performance.
Description: Translated as the "dance of lights", it is a waltz-style, playful folk dance showcasing unique fusion of local and western indigenous dance forms. The term oasiwas refers to "swinging" which is normally another folk dance; however, PAMANA incorporates some of its elements into one enjoyable performance.
Background photo credit: One-Blink Photography (2012). Video credit: Andres Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
KARATONG (3 min)
Dance variation(s) includes: 4 or 6 couples.
Description: Its name is derived after the bamboo instrument worn and played by the male performers. The karatong is struck to a fast rhythm, in the hopes of attracting good luck and driving away evil spirits. The women dance with bunga mangga, an artistic representations of mango trees. It is a festive dance celebrating a bountiful harvest.
Background photo credit: TriM Photography/Jay-Ar Lapid Photography (2015). Video credit: Andre Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
BULAKLAKAN (4 min)
Dance variation(s) includes: 4 to 6 female dancers.
Description: Its name partially derives after the word "flower" or bulaklak, in a shape of an arc creating a series of floral garlands. This attractive and lovely dance is performed by young women who gracefully and gently sway their floral garlands typically to give honor to the Virgin Mary during Easter.
Background photo credit: TriM Photography/Jay-Ar Lapid Photography (2015). Video credit: Andres Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
SAYAW SA BANKO (3 min)
Dance variation(s) includes: 3 couples and bench holders;
*Safety requirement: Please refrain using flash photography.
*Height requirement: Number of benches stacked from floor to lowest lighting fixture or hanging objects goes as follows: 3 benches (minimum 15 feet), 5 benches (minimum 20 feet), 7 benches (minimum 31+ feet, only available on stage theater);
Description: Its name is literally translated as "dance on a bench". Beginning with only one bench, PAMANA's stylized interpretation quickly piles on more and more benches until the stack resembles a tower. PAMANA's choreography makes this number a truly entertaining piece that is sure to keep you on your toes in excitement.
Background photo credit: Christian Thompson (2013). Video credit: Andres Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
MUSLIM SUITE
In the southern part of the Philippines, there lives millions of Filipino Muslims. The Muslim peoples in the Philippines are subdivided into smaller ethnic groups according to their particular ritual, worldviews, and ways of dress. Such differences are translated into different styles of dance and movement. PAMANA captures subtle differences in the Muslim portion of their repertoire, bringing together the majestic characters, fluid movements, angular stances, and rich costumes into one colorful performance that is sure to leave the audience in awe. From clicking bamboos, to twirling apir (fans), to graceful scarves, to powerful sword and shield, PAMANA captures it all in order to reveal the exquisite exoticism of the Muslim region in the Philippines.
Most popular requests: JANGGAY, BURONG TALO, KINI-KINI, ASIK, SINGKIL;
Disclaimer: costumes, performers and choreography may vary
JANGGAY (3 min)
Dance variation(s) includes: 4 to 6 female dancers.
Description: Named after the long metal finger nails worn by the female performers. The nails, mimicking bird talons, are meant to accentuate the dancers’ articulated form and hand movements.
Background photo credit: TriM Photography (2015). Video credit: Andres Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
BURONG TALO (3 min)
Dance variation(s) includes: 4 to 8 male dancers.
*Safety requirement: Please refrain using flash photography.
*Height requirement: Floor to lowest lighting fixture or hanging objects must be minimum over 12 feet.
Description: A martial arts style dance form, the male performers depict a fight between cats and hawks.
Background photo credit: CIOFF (Xornadas de Folclore de Ourense - Spain 2013). Video credit: Andres Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
KINI-KINI (3 to 5 min)
Dance variation(s) includes: 4 to 8 female dancers (6 dancers recommended). With or without the bamboo extension choreography (upon availability, additional 4 to 8 male dancers).
*Safety requirement: Please refrain using flash photography (if bamboo choreography is required).
Description: The performers imitate the highly stylized walk of Muslim royalty. The scarves accentuate the female performers' graceful and fluid movements. It is believed that moving with grace is a sign of elite social upbringing. PAMANA's choreography of this dance incorporates some stylized elements to create an entertaining number.
Background photo credit: CIOFF (Xornadas de Folclore de Ourense - Spain 2013). Video credit: Andres Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
ASIK (3 min)
Dance variation includes: 1 dancer. A solo dance preceding by another dance (Singkil). Now available in CD music or LIVE music.
Description: This solo performance by the singkil princess’ umbrella-bearing attendant (or lady-in-waiting). Her movements depict her preparing herself for the royal court and the events to come. The umbrella with which she dances is the ever-present symbol of Maguindanao and Maranao royalty.
Background photo credit: TriM Photography/Jay-Ar Lapid Photography (2015). Video credit: Andres Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
SINGKIL (9 min)
Dance variation includes: Royal court (3 dancers), their clickers (4 to 6 dancers) and 4 to 6 fan dancers (upon availability). Now available in CD music or LIVE music.
*Safety requirement: Please refrain using flash photography.
*Stage size requirement: Floor to lowest lighting fixture or hanging objects must be minimum over 12 feet. The stage or dance floor must be minimum 28 feet by 20 feet.
Description: A large-scale production that depicts the Maguindanao and Maranao legends about Princess Gandingan and Prince Batugan. While walking through the forest with her loyal umbrella-bearing attendant (Asik), Princess Gandingan is suddenly caught in the middle of an earthquake unleashed by the forest diwata (or forest spirits). She must gracefully and skillfully maneuver through the closing bamboo poles, which represent falling trees. The apir (or fans) are waved by dancers to represent auspicious winds. The valiant Prince Bantugan enters the scene and rescues the Princess.
Background photo credit: TriM Photography/Jay-Ar Lapid Photography (2015). Video credit: Andres Melo and Grace Chantengco (2020)
CONTACT INFORMATION: Karyn Gamay (Artistic Director) Email: kgamay@pamanacanada.com Call/text: +1 (514) 655-0627
Disclaimer: costumes, performers and choreography may vary.