MATINEB Cordillera Performing Group

MATINEB Cordillera Performing Group

Showcases Budong (Peace Pact)

TORONTO — MATINEB Cordillera Performing Group is a newly organized and the first Cordilleran youth group here in Toronto. MATINEB means “Last One Standing”. The members of the group initially came together last year to join and practice for the Cultural Competition during the Grand Canao Event held in Montreal last August 24-25, 2013. After the event where they won the first prize for the youth division the group decided to formally form the organization. The goal of the group is to continue to learn and promote the Igorot culture through music, arts, instruments and traditional songs and dances.

This is called the “Balangbang” which is commonly played for community dancing where everyone is encouraged to join the dance.

The MATINEB CPG held the Induction of their Officers last January 11, 2014 (Saturday) at Korean Cultural Centre. The guest speaker was Toronto Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 10).  And the inducting officer was Mr. James Polilin (former Board Member of Mt. Province).

Following the Induction Ceremony was the Cultural Show where the youth showcased the practice of “Budong” or “Peace Pact”. Intermission numbers such as  a song number by Aidan Saguibal, modern hip-hop presented by Francine Pooten, Eljay Pooten, Yugee Pooten,  Nova Fao-anan, and Elizabeth Doligas and group dance performed by Mrs. Susan Lidab’s group.

Moving to the end part of the program the beatings of gongs gathered the audience to a community dance, first it was led by the youth, adults and then the elderly. The “Balangbang” is always played for community participation wherein everybody is encouraged to join the dance.  “Boogie-boogie” and “Takik” which are courtship dances were also performed. From traditional to modern dances the audience also enjoyed the disco music and square dancing.

Twins Francine Pooten and Eljay Pooten were among the five youth who danced modern hip-hop during the intermission.

It was a night full of education and entertainment.  It was educational in the sense that the youth and audience learned from messages from Councilor James Partenak and Mr. James Polilin. The Cultural show depicted the traditional life of the Igorots and that there can be peace and not war between tribes when we allow it to happen. It was entertaining because the Cultural Show with all the props and musical background brought us into another place, remembering our roots, our culture and our way of life as indigenous people of the Cordillera. The energetic modern and group dances raised the crowd from their feet to join in the dance floor.

MATINEB’s theme for the event was “WASDIN MEN LAMLAMNIN KEN DATAKO AM-IN.” meaning Good health and peace to each and everyone.

(PRESS RELEASE)

A combination of youth and adult community dance led by Mr. Ignacio Gamsawen.

From left: Charlie Cerillo, Jemmuel Bacolong, Joel Owatan Jr. (MATINEB Grp members), Deacon Johnny Pooten, and Mr. Martin Batnag (adult in orange) . The music and dance they are playing here is called the “Boogie-boogie,” one of the courtship dances of the Mt. Province.

From left: Daven Lidab, PRO; Ashley Aben- Secretary; Ester Joy Owatan, Vice President; Bryner Ticguingan, Treasurer; Julie Ann Doligas, President; Reagan Batnag, Choreographer of MATINEB Cordillera Performing Group. PHOTOS: HG