By Cyrus A. Natividad

Living up to the title “Saludo 2,” the CPU Cultural Affairs Office made a bigger performance to realize the dream “To have the best presentation of Folk Dances for the Ilonggos and Filipinos here and abroad.” Prof. Crista Sianson Huyong (CAO Director), who made that promise, clarified that the presentation is a revival of Filipiniana folk dances — that can only be had with the involvement of traditional, creative concepts and indigenous outfits. She added that “We wanted to showcase not only the prestigious Ilonggo artistry, but to bring together the Visayan dances and graceful Ifugao and Mindanaonon troupes virtually to the world.”

The ‘folk dance galore’, a full-length Virtual Dance Concert was recently streamed online via Facebook. It was well organized and coordinated with local government agencies so that the folk dances were interestingly showcased with local tourist spots in the background.

The dances were actually shot on site in Guimaras, Iloilo and the Iloilo City Hall, parks and also landmarks of other provinces in Panay. The famous Esplanade and Megaworld Festive Walk areas were included in the shoot. Religious leaders and administrators were respectfully consulted in the use of facilities by the CAO prior to their production.

Much of the admiration for the Saludo 2 project were adequately expressed by tourism agencies to Central Philippine University. Even in the previous performances of CAO’s Dance Company, Dr. Robles specifically cited the creativity that contributed much to the prestige of the University.