Open forums culminate IPAG productions to interest students further on these issues. Performances usually open with short lecture-demonstrations on the Mindanao creative expressions, he added.

IPAG has been on an extensive touring binge in the past three years. It holds the distinction of being the most well traveled theater company in the country. Its productions have reached tens of thousands of audiences here and abroad in several national tours and in eight international touring legs in the last decade.

Its recent Europe tour completed over 60 performances in 4 countries including a command performance for Prince Albert and royalty at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco.

In March 23-31, it will represent the country anew in the “Ties That Bind” Project performing dance-narratives in Shanghai, China to fulfill the RP-China Cultural and Trade Exchanges. Another world tour is set in mid-year.

The company celebrates its Silver Jubilee this year. Its jubilee tours last month drew jam-packed audiences in Manila, Iligan, and Ozamis.

IPAG’s productions have been well noticed because rather than present dances with regional themes, dances are transformed to integrate narratives of ordinary peoples’ lives and the common conflicts these characters undergo. The guild also adapts and transforms folk tales to capture the meanings that these materials suggest. Movements, music, and visuals are sourced from indigenous motifs.

IPAG is touring “Buhay, Pag-ibig at Kamatayan” (Life, Love and Death) and “Tales From Mindanao” and premieres its “Mga Kwentong Mindanao Pambata” (Mindanao Tales for Children) to continue its touring season this year.

The 2003 Tours are presented in coordination with WGA Super Ferries (exclusive carriers of the IPAG), National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Department of Tourism, Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the MSU-IIT.

Steven P.C. Fernandez directs from his concept, script and music. Principal choreography is by Nolly Ceballos assisted by the IPAG Creative Collective. Technical direction is supervised by Joey Nombres and Arvin Solis with marketing managed by Stanley Perry Fernandez.

The touring company is composed of the following performing: Melvin Pascubillo, Arlem Abanes, Reynan Revillas, Amado Guinto, Julius Hechanova, Geoffrey Peñola, James Mercado, Eleanor Judith-Lila, Leilani Monterola, Lilybeth Maraon, Prosfe June dela Victoria, Lara Fatima Maglinao, Farrah Fabriga, Beverly Villarenta, Wenna Balaido; (musicians) Ronald Salazar, Enrique Batara, Jhanis Saceda, and Lorain Antiquina.

Hosting IPAG in the first quarter of 2003 are La Salle Zobel, Ayala Alabang (Jan. 17, 10:00 a.m.), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ “Nights at the Old Walls” (Jan. 18, 7 p.m., Baluarte Dilao, Intramuros), and Museo Pambata (Jan. 19, 3 p.m.), the cities of Tangub, Malaybalay, Kalibo, the Marawi Resort Hotel, St. Paul's Manila, International School, and Miriam College.

check complete schedule