July 22, 2016 , 04:30pm

Diwa ng Kasarinlan 2016: Celebration of history and culture of resistance

By Lui Queaño

Local Toronto artists, poets and musicians shared the space with the New York-based dance theatre ensemble and founder of Kinding Sindaw Potri Ranka Manis during the Anakbayan Toronto 5th Diwa ng Kasarinlan (DnK) celebration held in Ontario Institute for Studies (OISE) University of Toronto last July 16. With this year’s theme, Land is Life: History and Culture of Resistance through Art, the event coincided with the International Conference for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) being held in Mindanao from July 16-24.

“This year, as we celebrate our 5th Diwa ng Kasarinlan, we emblazon to reclaim our ancient tradition and the history and culture of resistance of our forebears,” Anakbayan Toronto chairperson Sarah Salise said.

“We hope to get the youth more engaged so they can learn and understand the culture , their roots as well as the traditions they can call their own,” said Kim Abis of AnakbayanToronto and one of the emcees of the event.

Potri Ranka Manis doing the Magical Butterfly dance (Paga Apir Apir)

Potri Ranka Manis, who was installed Bai Labi a Gaus, named after her father’s title Sultan Mamintal Dirampaten, Sultan a Gaus of Borocot Maguing, the 15th Pagawidan of Pangempong ko Ranao (15th pillar of the 4 Emitates of Lanao) and a descendant of legendary Sultan Kudarat, highlighted the event and danced an excerpt of the Tausug pangalay about the legend of the magical bird Sarimanok. Everyone in the audience held their breath as if the crowd were moved into some place else or in another world, perhaps. And to the delight of the audience they applauded in a pure unadulterated clapping of hands overwhelmed by the graceful movement Potri Ranka Manis had executed only a true princess would have the sensitivity to perform with grace of a royalty.

“Let’s reclaim this culture not just because we want to entertain. Let’s reclaim this culture with the consciousness to bring the voices of the people who own this and whose life are threatened,” Potri Ranka Manis said.

“We can start reclaiming our ancient traditions and ancient civilization. It is not just merely dancing or banging the gongs. You might be guilty of appropriation in fact. We have to go further that Kulintang is a musical instrument of resistance,” Potri Ranka Manis added.

In his keynote address, musician and multi-awarded playwright and Palanca Awardee Nonilon Queano, PhD, reminded the youth on the significance of the arts and culture as a vehicle for national liberation against continued colonization and foreign oppression particularly against the indigenous community in the Philippines. Just recently two Lumad leaders in Davao City were shot by suspected state forces that left one dead and another in critical condition.

“Musicians, visual artists, and creative writers should use their works to serve the people and should connect with the masses and learn from their struggles and aspirations. Their works should inspire them to fight for national liberation against the exploitation and oppression from all instruments of imperialism,” Dr. Queano said.

Belinda Corpuz a local jazz musician and member of Carlos Bulosan Theatre serenaded the audience with her soulful rendition of Oyayi sa Mundo originally sung and recorded by Philippine-based Buklod. Corpuz’s smooth voice sounded divine and ethereal that magically wiled the audience.

Jesson Reyes, Migrante Ontario Coordinator, discussed the 10-point economic agenda proposal to President Duterte. He urged the DnK participants to get more engaged on issues affecting the country particularly under the new administration of Duterte.

“The youth should stand up to the challenges of times and take ownership of their role in society by getting more involved in the community and use their energies to voice out their opinions and call on our new President Duterte to address the root cause of our people’s problems of landlessness and forced migration,” Reyes said.

Migrante Ontario Coordinator Jesson Reyes

On the other hand, Gabi Abis of Migrante Youth talked about the importance of organizing the migrant youth and reconnecting them to their Filipino roots through community events like DnK.

She said that the pursuit to understanding the indigenous culture and traditions is a topic that interests the youth of her generation.

Ben Corpuz of Philippine Advancement through Arts and Culture (PATAC) briefly laid out the 15-point peace agenda that was submitted to President Duterte by various people’s organizations on the resumption of Peace Talks between the Government of the Philippines (GDP) and National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP).

Panday Sining lead vocalist Rhea Gamana sang Igpaw Mindanao popularized by Musikang Bayan in support of the Stop the Lumad Killings campaign. Panday Sining is the cultural group of Migrante Ontario whose original members have gone to United States and went back to the Philippines. The group continues to perform in various community events since its founding in 1993.

Other artists and performers who shared their talents were Spoken Word artists Toni Oponda and Rachel Chiong, Hip hop artists/dancers Mariz and Myka Lacorte, Pinoy in Canada Patriotic Movement (PCPM) founder Ron Culianista who sang his original composition, Crownless Kings lead vocalist Justin Lima who regaled the crowd with his contemporary tunes and Mary Carl Guiao who performed a Kulintang number.