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A competition among provincial high
schools to find the best cultural dance team, culminated in Maitum on Feb. 8. It began with a street parade and finished in the municipal gymnasium.
Dan saw it as a public
relations opportunity. He was in the street and the gym taking pictures and
talking to the kids, teachers, parents, dignitaries and visitors. It
was a chance to break-down some of the mystery about his presence here
and you will see the reaction in the photos. Now, people all over town
smile and shout out to him as we drive around. Most of the dance
routines were indigenous in nature and reflected the many cultural
origins of the Philippines. |
The kids from the Maitum High school, followed Dan around and asked
him a hundred questions about who he is, where he is from, his family,
how to pronounce his name and more. Dan now calls these kids "his
kids." |
Dan's kids |
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The Monkey dancers |
Monkey dancers |
Monkey dancers |
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This team was Dan's choice for best
costumes |
They also did some terrific acrobatic
routines |
These girls loved the camera's attention .
. . |
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. . . and shouted loudly in the gym that
evening |
In the parade |
And, some are shocked at the boldness of
their friends |
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This routine is typical of an indigenous
dance |
Typically, many are shy, but some are too
curious |
Some of the kids look very young. In fact,
the school system here is only 10 years: 1-6 plus high school. |
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The marching band (all percussion) for one
team. |
Many of the groups were Muslim, and many
of the dance routines incorporated Muslim traditional elements. |
But, they really enjoyed getting in a picture. |
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Parade bystanders |
Parade bystanders |
Parade bystander |
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Competition judges. Our friend, Dr. Jeanne
Ablog in the center. |
Pedal trike cab on Maitum street during
parade |
The winning team, which incorporated a sea
theme. When this group appeared, Dan went to the judges table and told
them his family had come to see him. They said "where, where?" while
scanning the crowd. "There," Dan said, pointing to all the kids
painted white. It got a good laugh from the judges. Perhaps it even
swayed their vote. Who knows? |
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White team |
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