The Cultural Center of the Philippines presents a double offering this Valentine’s Day with the premiere of filmmaker Jerrold Tarog’s Ang Kabaligtaran ng Gunaw (The Opposite of the End) and the launch of the dance video Hilom: Sayaw Dalangin ng Pag-asa at Pagkakaisa. This twin bill presentation will be aired on February 14, 2021 at 8:30 AM and at 4:30 PM at CNN Philippines.
Tarog’s dance film Ang Kabaligtaran ng Gunaw (The Opposite of the End), based from the original poem of the same name by playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, features an original concept and choreography by Ronelson Yadao. Tarog also composed new music for this short film.
Dancer Eloisa Jessa Tangalin leads the cast composed of members of CCP Dance Workshop namely Sarah Anne Alejandro, Monica Amanda Gana, Stephanie Kerilen Santiago, Karla Marie Santos, Victor Maguad, Lester John Reguindin, Earl John Arisola, AL Frederick Abraham, Louise John Ababob, Danilo Dayo Jr., Bonifacio Guerrero Jr., and Justine Joseph Orande.
Adapted to screenplay by Tarog and Deldoc, the eight-minute short feature film brings together the different art forms – from literature, dance, music, theatre and film – to create a unique collaboration which hopefully reminds all artists and the public on the importance of artistic expression and undaunted creativity that is much needed in the process of healing and overcoming the pandemic.
Following the short film will be Hilom: Sayaw Dalangin ng Pag-asa at Pagkakaisa, featuring folkloric dances associated with Filipino rituals and dance traditions showing the relevance of dance to people’s lives especially during tough and challenging times.
The dance production engages various folkloric dance groups and communities in working together to produce dance performances that would highlight the affinity of the Filipinos to connect to the spiritual world for prayer, supplications, thanksgiving and worship.
Appearing in this production are dance artists and groups including Abigail Calma (as Inang Bayan) from Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Kaloob Phil Music and Dance Ministry (artistic director Dr. Ed Lapiz), Lyceum of the Philippines University of Batangas – Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe (artistic director Rodel M. Fronda), Leyte Dance Theatre of Jess De Paz Foundation Inc. (artistic director Lowe S. Taňa), University of Cebu Dance Company (artistic director Victor Lim Hao Cuenco), Melengas Dance Ensemble (artistic director Odysso D. Oyales, and Koronadal Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe (artistic director Benhur Zerrudo Abulencia).
The artistic team includes director Stephen Ramos Biadoma from a story and concept by UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, with music by Teresa Barrozo, edited by Gem Aňonuevo, cinematography by Brandon Relucio, and costumes by Carlo Viray Valderama.
Following the CNN Philippines premiere, a hybrid screening, outdoors at the CCP grounds, following strict health protocols, and online at CCP’s various online pages/channels are in the works.
