By: Elaisha L. Pomida, BA Comm-4, The Centralian Link Intern

CPU Tumandok Dance Company takes their final bow for the gala show of SALUDO Sais: Pamana on February 12, 2026, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

In celebration of National Arts Month, CPU Tumandok Dance Company (CPUTDC), in partnership with the CPU Cultural Affairs Office (CAO), showcased venerating performances of various Philippine folk, ethnic, and tribal dances through the staging of SALUDO Sais: Pamana on February 10, 2026, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Led by their Artistic Director Asst. Prof. Randy A. Lero, the sixth year of the annual creative tradition SALUDO featured cultural dance performances under five curated segments: Cordillera, Maria Clara, Tribal, Muslim, and Rural, with the incorporation of live instrumental accompaniment, theatrical elements, and a lively finale of “Ang Putong at ang Putungan” that included offering flowers to members of the audience.

“This is now the sixth year of Saludo. I consider it already like it is a CPU tradition when it comes to honor the tradition, beliefs, culture of the Philippines…This year I have decided to have it Pamana, Heritage, to give honor to the mother of Philippine dances, Francisca Reyes-Aquino, and also the father of ethnic dances, Dr. Ramon Obusan, kung saan ako nanggaling na dance company (from the dance company I came from)”, expressed Asst. Prof. Lero in an interview, regarding the formation of the theme of this year’s showcase.

CPU Tumandok Dance Company pays tribute to the culture and heritage of Mindanao through performing tribal dances of the region.

CPUTDC also received waves of support both from within and outside of the university, as Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia – CAO Officer-in-Charge Coordinator, Dr. Merle L. Junsay – Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the company’s global exchange program friends at Hello Friendship Smiles Organization and Kawachinagano International Friendship Association from Japan gave messages both in-person and online during the matinee show.

“Learn Philippine culture, understand tradition, and appreciate how it is to be a Filipino through our dances,” encouraged Dr. Junsay in her speech, addressed to the matinee audience primarily composed of Centralian PATHFit students.

Furthermore, in gratitude for its partners, Asst. Prof. Lero on behalf of CPUTDC took to the mic to specifically thank former CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and his wife, CAO, CPU’s PE and Health Department, PATHFit students, TDC alumni, parents of the company members, and all guests for their presence and support for the 2:00 PM show of SALUDO Sais: Pamana.

Additionally, a gala show at 6:00 PM on the same day was also held, graced by Vice President for Finance and Enterprises, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, who also extended her support through delivering a welcome message.

SALUDO is an annual creative production staged by CPUTDC not only to pay tribute to Philippine culture and heritage through dance but also to support the company in their yearly exchange program to several high schools in Japan, where members become mentors and teachers of traditional Philippine dances to Japanese students.

For this year’s leg of CPUTDC’s cultural exchange program, the company will be in Osaka, Japan, from February 17 to 25, where they will not only act as mentors—the members, under the artistic direction of Asst. Prof. Lero will be staging two concerts in Kawachinagano City and for Rotary International, bringing Philippine culture and artistry to the world stage.