Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

KEEPING the statement of Philippine national artist and folk dance research pioneer Francisca Reyes-Aquino, "Let folk dances be as they are—of the folk. We cannot sacrifice heritage for progress," at heart, the Hiyas Philippine Folk Dance Company stands up to its name—a jewel, a gem—one that strives to present Filipino folk dance and culture in its most traditional form. Created in March 2003, Hiyas was formed by dance enthusiasts that enjoy the beauty of Filipino folk dance. But their most important goal was to make sure that Filipino culture remains alive in the Filipino-American community.

"Understanding Filipino culture is very important for (American) Filipinos born in the US and Filipinos who immigrated here," said Jeff Bado, Executive Director of Hiyas. "Philippine folk dance and music originating from the mountainous tribes of the Northern Cordillera, lives of our people who live in the lowland Christian communities near the sea, river beds and farmlands, eras influenced by the occupation of Spain in the Philippines for over 300 years, and cultures throughout the southern islands of Mindanao—all of these offer a wealth of information about who and what we are as a Filipino people."

Bado’s interest in Philippine folk dance and culture primarily started when he met and married his wife Annie Vera Cruz in the Philippines. Since Annie was born and raised in the Philippines, she was introduced to folk dances at a very young age. In elementary school, learning folk dances was part of the physical education curriculum. So it was Annie who gave Jeff his first taste of Philippine folk dance steps. In the early 90’s, Jeff and Annie would teach Kyla, Cheyne and other children from their hometown organization, favorite folk dances to perform at annual events. In early 1999, the pair decided to enroll Kyla in Kaisahan of San Jose Dance Company. Within weeks, the entire family became involved in the dance troupe with dance recitals locally. In December of 2002, Jeff and his family left Kaisahan to pursue other interests, a difficult decision since folk dancing had already become a passion in their lives.

But their passion for folk dancing can’t be stopped. In 2003, Bado approached his folk dance colleague Justin Mambaje for artistic direction and choreography and together with a group of 15 dance enthusiasts and their families formed what is now Hiyas Philippine Folk Dance Company. The group recognized an enormous amount of talent and resourcefulness offering a unique approach in presenting folk dance and music.

Mambaje, who is now the Artistic Director, Choreographer and Musical Director of Hiyas, grew a liking for Filipino folk dancing at a young age while watching his older cousins dance. In the summer of 1997, he performed his first ever folk dances for his Aunt’s silver wedding anniversary: La Jota Isabela and Tinikling. This further sparked his interest in folk dancing, which led him to research texts and web sites based on the subject. He became a folk dance instructor at his school, Santa Clara High School, his sophomore through senior years. During this time, he joined Kaisahan of San Jose Dance Company and within 2 years became a lead dancer and soloist. Throughout those two years, he continued to collect folk dance texts by Francisca Reyes-Aquino and the Philippine Folk Dance Society. Mambaje’s collection of references broadened his knowledge of folk dancing.

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