IPAG returns after rave reviews in Europe tours

“The show was worth ten investment missions.” Consul General Bernaditas Muller of the Philippine Embassy summed up her impression of the Philippines’ Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) after IPAG executed its third curtain call to the bravos of the packed Salle des Fete in downtown Paris. In two-and-a-half months in Europe, IPAG wove its theater charm to much adulation and once more drew the positive image of Mindanao and the country.

Also in the Paris audience was Philippine Ambassador Hector Villaroel. Two-and-a-half months earlier, Villaroel graced the IPAG’s opening salvo of its 2002 Europe tour, a command performance at the plush Hotel de Paris in Monaco. IPAG was featured artist in the Philippine National Day celebration in an occasion that filled the hotel’s grand ballroom. This rich municipality’s crème, the diplomatic corps, members of the Filipino community, and Monaco’s heir apparent Prince Albert attended the event.

The well-acclaimed IPAG journeyed to Europe from July to the second week of September, its 4^th outing to the continent. It represented the Philippines through over 50 performances in various dance and music festivals. The company traveled the breadth of France making short stops in Belgium before culminating its tour in the 35^th Mediterranean International Festival in Murcia, Spain and a full-length performance in Madrid.

IPAG won the grand prize in the Concourse de Chanson Internationaux and was the most awarded group of the 13^th International Folkloric Festival in Port Sur Saone, France, a festival participated in by 11 other nations including the national companies of Paraguay, Surinam, and Chechnya.

A company of only 16 artists, the IPAG wove folk drama with dance and music that impressed the press and fascinated the large audiences. Indigenous, Hispanic and Islamic cultures are the sources of the dance-stories it creates through a collective effort. Its materials are based on the experiences and research of its performers, collaborating artists, and informants, all of whom are Mindanaons.

The singkil interpretation of IPAG is adapted from the chapter of the abduction of Lawanen in the darangen which—unlike the usual presentation where characters and the piece assume regal qualities—project human frailties and the conflicts in passionate relationships.

The Europe tour celebrates IPAG‘s Silver Anniversary and is part of its 2002 World Tours. Earlier, the Guild represented the country in festivals in Taiwan and the World Cup in South Korea. IPAG based in Iligan City is the resident cultural company of the MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology that has provided the facilities and support for its cultural programs.

Muller declares, “if government only realizes the greater impact that cultural groups like the IPAG produce abroad, then we can do better than investment missions whose formal means to invite are less exciting.” To Ambassador Villaroel: “IPAG has made the country proud.” The positive image presented to the hundreds of thousands of audiences by IPAG is made more significant by present events when Mindanao has taken a bad beating in the media.

Composing the delegation are 16 artists led by IPAG Founder and Artistic Director Steven P.C. Fernandez. Members of the cultural mission are: Stanley Perry Fernandez (Tour Manager), Joey Nombres (Technical Director), and artists Arlem Abanes (Stage Manager), Nolly Ceballos (choreographer), Melvin Pascubillo, Reynan Revillas, Julius Hechanova, Dexter Jumalon, Leilani Monterola, Eleanor Lila, Lilybeth Maraon, Wenna Balaido, Lara Maglinao, Jenelyn Morales, and Ronald Salazar.

Supporting the IPAG Europe tour are WGA Super Ferries (exclusive carriers of the IPAG), Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Pagcor, Department of Tourism, Iligan City Government, and the MSU-IIT.

other reviews
"Au pas de dans verse de Philippines" La Liberte de l'est, August 1, 2002
"IPAG: The Philippines on fire," La Journee, July 14, 2002
"Folklore in Open Sky,"
"Legends of Mindanao,"

features
"Iligan folk dance group wins big in France, Monaco"
by Christine Godinez-Ortega, Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 27, 2002
full article

"IPAG weaves its theater charm in Europe,"
The Manila Bulletin, Sept. 25, 2002.
full article

"Iligan's IPAG shines in Europe tour,"
MindaNews, Sept. 21, 2002, www.mindanews.com
full article


related pages
IPAG World Tours
2002 World Tours
Tales From Mindanao
More Reviews

to top