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31 July 2023, Ottawa – The Sentro Rizal Ottawa hosted a Virtual Folk Dance Masterclass with the world-renowned Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company. The workshop was participated by the members of the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa (PDTO).

In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria thanked the NCCA for the initiative and for having the Bayanihan share their dance talents and techniques. Ambassador Austria welcomed the PDTO, led by its founder and Chairman, Danilo Arriola, as the participants for the 3-day workshop. Ambassador Austria added that the workshop is an excellent opportunity to enrich and build on the existing knowledge and skills of the very talented and young dancers of PDTO.

A 3-day online Masterclass was held from 27 to 29 July 2023, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (28 to 30 July 2023, 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM PH time). Bayanihan Dance Director Ferdinand “Bong” Jose led the folk dance masterclass, with lectures and videos about the folk dance choreography as well as interactive sessions. The participants were divided into three breakout groups on day 2, based on the chosen folk dance for the interactive dance workshop.

Members of the PDTO were very honored and thankful for the opportunity to interact and learn from the world-class dancers of the Bayanihan. On day 3, PDTO presented a performance of the folk dances they learned - Bagobo T’boli, Kini-Kini, and Kapamalong-malong. Director Bong closed the program with advice and tips for the PDTO to enhance their skills in performing the folk dances.

Made possible with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Sentro Rizal Ottawa’s Virtual Folk Dance Masterclass is part of Embassy’s cultural diplomacy program to promote Filipino culture and arts, especially to the second and third generation of Filipinos in Canada. END