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Karilagan Dance Society
| It was founded by
the late Dr. Remedios Borromeo in 1971 in Edmonton. At its inception,
the Society was consisted only of the Borromeo family. In 1982,
the Society opened its membership to other young Filipino-Canadians
who were born here or those who came in early childhood. Over
the years, they performed throughout Edmonton, neighbouring cities
and towns. In 1986, they represented Edmonton in EXPO' 86, held
at Vancouver, B.C. After so many years of dedicated work, the
founder announced the end of the Karilagan during the 1989 performance
because of her continuing health problem.
In 1989, a family-oriented
group revived the Karilagan. With members, eight children and
eight adults, the ailing founder collaborated another successful
performance with her new group. The Karilagan, now under the
directorship of Elmina Cochingco, continued the legacy started
by Remy and her family. Since then, Karilagan performs during
Heritage Days, Canada Day, Promenade, Klondike Days, at hospitals,
extended care centres, schools, churches and many other fundraising
and cultural events.
Among the achievements of the
Karilagan Dance Society are:
- Winning the "Best Pacific
Rim Group" of the year award when they joined, for the first
time, the 1997 International Ethnic Dance Competition held in
Surrey, B.C. Out of 12 entries, they took home four first prizes,
three second prizes and two third prizes. They also received
a trophy and gold certificate for Best Pacific Rim Group.
In June 1998, during the Philippine
Independence Centennial Celebration, the Karilagan won the Katipunan
Award for performing arts group category and the Artistic Director
Elmina Cochingco won the individual performing arts category.
- The Karilagan had brought
its cultural production to the United States. In August 2000,
they performed in San Luis Obispo and San Francisco, California.
- In July 2002, they performed
in Los Osos, San Luis Obispo, Whittier and San Jose, California.
In the same month, they performed at the Philippine Pavilion
during the Klondike Days Exposition when the Philippines was
the featured country. The Karilagan dancers also graced the Philippine
entry of the Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations (C.E.F.A.)
at the Klondike Days Parade, winning the "Best Entertainment"
and First Prize in Non-profit Association - Cultural category.
- At the Miss International
Canada 2003 beauty pageant, held at Winspear Centre in July 2003,
the Karilagan performed the opening number "Fairies in the
Forest" and tribal dances with the Kalinangan Dance Troupe
of Montréal.
- In July 2003, the Karilagan,
together with the Kalinangan Dance Troupe of Montréal,
participated in cultural exchange workshops, held in Montreal
and Edmonton, under the sponsorship of the Exchanges Canada.
Having its own float, the Karilagan joined the Klondike Days
Parade in Edmonton.
- In July 2004, the Karilagan
performed two shows in New York City - the Philippine Consulate
and Queen's Botanical Garden.
- In August, 2004, the Karilagan
performed the opening number entitled " A Child's Dream,"
portrayed by five-year-old Geline Cochingco at the Miss International
Canada 2004 beauty pageant held at Winspear Centre.
- In August 2005, the Karilagan
performed the opening number at the Miss International Canada
2005 beauty pageant held at Winspear Centre. Karilagan dancer
Micaela Smith won the prestigious title, she represented Canada
in the Miss International competition in Japan in October.
- In May 2006, Karilagan competed
in the Annual Town Fiesta Song and Dance Competition in Talavera,
Nueva Ecija, Philippines and took home 13 trophies with nine
first prizes, three second prizes and one third prize.
- In September 2008, the Karilagan
was invited to perform during the Bonok Bonok Festival in Surigao
City, Philippines.
Among the many projects of
Karilagan Dance Society are:
- In May 1995, the Karilagan
honored and recognized the first Filipino pioneers who came to
Alberta between 1961 and 1969 for their valuable contributions
to their own communities and Alberta, as well as the Filipino
Seniors. This event was in conjunction with the bi-centennial
celebration of the City of Edmonton.
- In August 1995, at the request
of the Chair of the Filipino Pavilion, the Karilagan performed
during the three-day Heritage Festival. Since then, the Karilagan
has been the primary entertainer for the Filipino Pavilion on
Heritage Festival that draws an average of 300,000 people every
year.
The Hiyas (GEM) Award was launched
in 1996 and recognizes the achievements of deserving Filipino-Canadians
in the field of academics, education, science, arts, business,
sports and community service.
- In December 2002, the Karilagan
commenced its Philippine Hiyas community newspaper. It is published
quarterly and is circulated free of charge.
- In March 2003, the Karilagan
gave recognition to the first Filipino Pioneers who came to Alberta
in 1972 and before.
- In April 2003, the Karilagan
started another Filipino Christian tradition the 'Pabasa', which
tells about the life of Jesus Christ.
- In September 2004, the Karilagan
Choir was formed under the direction of Chino V. dela Torre.
Its first project was 'Caroling for Bantaybata No. 163,"
a Manila-based charitable institution that helps less fortunate
children in the Philippines.
- In August 2008, Karilagan
launched its annual golf tournament fundraising event under the
leadership of Len C. Molo.
To date, the Karilagan has
93 performing members and 158 volunteer members.
Elmina (Memen) Cochingco
President, Artistic Director & Choreographer, Karilagan Dance
Society
Photograph provided by Elmina (Memen) Cochingco
memen@shaw.ca
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