Fiesta Filipina presents Karilagan

Fiesta Filipina presents Karilagan

By Niko Mejia

Weeks after its amazing feat at the Carabram International Festival where they were judged the “Best Entertainment” Award, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe is once again set to light up the stage with Karilagan: Celebration of Philippine Dance, Music, & Fashion. This season’s repertoire will premier at the elegant Hammerson Hall on September 10, 2005 at 8pm and will feature Fiesta’s adored traditional folk dances and music, and the Filipino community’s celebrated models and designers with Philippine traditional and modern inspired fashion. A fusion of music, dance and fashion, this performance is designed to delight and to celebrate the diversity that makes up the Philippines islands.

Now embarking on its 39th year, the company will once again join forces with the much-loved Angklung Ensemble and the Fiesta Filipina Rondalla (Orchestra) to provide the enchanting live traditional folk music.

This past year marked a remarkable growth for the company. In addition to acquiring its very own dance centre, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe received the prestigious “Banaag Award” (equivalent of the Governor General Award) from the President of the Philippines at the Malacanang Palace for its contribution in promoting, preserving and celebrating Philippine culture. This award solidifies the dance company’s reputation as an established organization that create performances of world-class calibre.

The Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe (FFDT), established in 1966, is the premier traditional Filipino performing dance company in North America. Led by Executive Director/Producer Estrellita Aguinaldo and Artistic Director Lynda Sue Aguinaldo, the company is poised to continue the legacy of the late George Aguinaldo whose unmatched artistic contribution has helped start and or enhanced the artistry of many Filipino folk groups. Its successes and mission has made this dance troupe an institution for many up and coming cultural dance troupes from around the world and for Filipinos and Filipino enthusiasts. Composed of committed volunteers, the dance troupe has been dedicated to promoting, preserving, and propagating traditional Philippine arts and culture in Canada and the world through music, song, and dance.

Through a wide range of activities, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe has actively contributed to the knowledge base and appreciation of the diversity that exists in Canada. Its annual participation in the Metro Toronto International Caravan since 1969, the Carabram International Festival, various Toronto Folk Art Events and the Mabuhay Festival are just few of the major events this company participates in to help enhance Canada’s multicultural community.

Since its birth, the company has received many accolades. Its world-class shows uniquely regarded for involving performers of all ages have earned the company performances in many prominent events such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and to the opening festivities of both Ontario Place and Sky Dome.

Fiesta has also become an ambassador for both Canada and the Philippines. Through its international travels, the troupe has thrilled audiences with their exceptional traditional Philippine folk dance repertoire. For tickets call the Living Arts Centre’s Hewlett-Packard Box Office at 905-306-6000 or toll free at 1-888-805-8888. Box office hours are Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The Living Arts Centre is located at 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga (immediately west of Square One).

Visit us at: www.fiestafilipina.org.

(PRESS RELEASE)