CCP ‘Pasinaya’: Going the extra mile

LAHING Batangan Dance Troupe from Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas performs the ‘Maria Clara dance.’ RICHARD A. REYES

This year, there seemed to be more children at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) annual open house, “Pasinaya,” possibly because of the previously announced going-the-extra-mile treat.

Revelers who sought little excursions outside the complex were ferried in colorful jeepneys to nearby museums and tourist stops, and back.

YOUNG ukelele enthusiasts play pop hits. kiko cabuena

With new “partner” Jeepney Tours, the CCP conducted brief trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, National Museum, Bahay Tsinoy, Casa Manila, Museo Pambata, 1335 Mabini art gallery and Mabuhay Restop Filipino restaurant.

The fun “expansion” marked the 10th anniversary of the annual event, the biggest multi-arts festival in the country.

On Sunday, from sunup to way past sundown, more than 3,000 artists representing 300 institution-based artistic and cultural (theater, music and dance) groups staged a wide variety of skillful and colorful performances—simultaneously at the in-house venues and all around the building.

RIZAL Technological University Dance Troupe took part in the event. richard reyes

Headliners were CCP resident companies: Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the UST Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theater, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, National Music Competitions for Young Artists, Philippine Madrigal Singers and Tanghalang Pilipino.

The unique “pay what you can, see all you can” donation scheme has become as big an attraction as the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the CCP performance season.

The fun workshops and lecture-demonstrations include How to Play the Marimba, How to Wear Cordillera Costumes and How to Wear Muslim Costumes.