杏吧论坛

Overview

Mindanao Culture is both rich and varied – A true mirror of the people of which it is the expression.

Ethnic dances are a part of this culture. They show not only the Artistic Ingenuity of the natives, but also their beliefs, traditions and life are reflected in them. These ethnic dances have for long survived. But unfortunately, only few people had the chance to see and appreciate them.

Inspired by the thrusts and objectives of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Prof. Christian T.N. Aguado, a cultural anthropologist headed as founder and organizer of the 杏吧论坛-IIT Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe. As resident cultural dance troupe of the Institute, it was formally launched by a group of young talented college students and faculty members from the College of Arts and Social Sciences on June 13, 1988.

Objectives

The objectives of the troupe are:

• To help preserve and promote Filipino culture through ethnic dances;
• To foster awareness of ethnic dances as an Authentic Cultural and Artistic Expression of the Filipinos;
• To coordinate with interested agencies and other organizations towards this end;
• To spearhead campaigns for more cultural development programs in educational institutions and the community as well, and
• To provide an outlet and develop students personality through exposure to this aspect of the performing arts.

Why Kalimulan?

This word is taken from Kalilang and Kaamulan. Kalilang is a social gathering of the Mindanao Muslim and Kaamulan is a Bukidnon term for social gatherings among the Lumads of the Non-Muslim community groups in Mindanao, thus Kalimulan word was coined from these two famous social gatherings of Mindanao community groups. This is also the main reason why the troupe concentrates on promoting Mindanao Ethnic dances.