You can’t have a collaboration of two Filipino blog/vloggers without a stop at the Filipino Pavilion! 😉 This is the final stop of my tour with Winnipeg-based photographer and vlogger Christian Narciso! Once again, all photos are from Christian and his company Viewsual Media!
Make sure to check out Christian’s vlogs too. Watch out for us on Wednesday as we do another round of Pavilion hopping!
Scroll to the bottom to watch the video!
Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion
Venue: RB Russell High School (364 Dufferin Ave.)
Dates: Sun. Aug 6th to Sat. August 12th
** For a complete, updated listing of pavilions I have visited so far, please click here.
Cultural Display
The cultural display is divded into the 3 main island-regions of the Philippines: Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon. There are traditional games set up for kids to learn how to play. You can also see our traditional instruments from the different regions. As you line up for the pavilion, you can’t miss the huge Filipino flag in the hallway that becomes the photobooth backdrop, complete with props that you can have fun with! You can see my quick impromptu tour of the cultural display in the video.
Food
Classic dishes that are popular at potlucks (lol) include pansit (sauteed noodles) and lumpia (eggrolls). I recommend that you try okoy (deep fried shrimp fritter) and the pork barbeque on a skewer. For a drink, try the non-alcoholic sago (tapioca punch) or go ahead and try our beer options: San Miguel or Red Horse.
Entertainment
Magdaragat Philippines Inc. is the performance group that runs the nightly shows here. This group also goes above and beyond in sharing their culture past borders. This group ranges in age from their Children’s Theatre Company to their young adult performers. Each show is a different suite, and we got to see the cordillera show, featuring the Filipino cultures that are indigenous to the country. Here, you will see the gentlemen in bahags or loincloths, and you can see the way of life of the people expressed through the dances.
You can really see the theatrical elements of their practices, which comes to life with the theatre quality lighting and sound. You’re getting a high quality show with theatre-style seating.
My biggest draw each year is the opening number in which you see the creativity of their choreographers and production team. This year, they opted to do a piece that combines all 3 suites (Cordillera, Muslim, and Spanish). You can see both the indigenous as well as the two greatest influences on the Filipino culture and arts. One influence is geographical (Muslim influence from parts of Malaysia) and one is historical (Spanish colonization of the Philippines). There was a moment when the Spanish-costumed dancer and the Muslim-costumed dancer traded fans, which I thought was a beautiful and understated moment.
The 3 suites then move through the bamboos – symbolic of the most popular cultural dance, Tinikling. Watch tinikling at the very end of the show as the finale number done by both the youth and the adult performers.
Above and Beyond
If you didn’t already know, this pavilion is home for me. I performed in the pavilion for about 12 years, and had traveled to Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica. Last year, the group went to Chile to further represent our culture through performance arts. This group is where my involvement with the Filipino community all began. It was through Magdaragat that I learned the value of sharing my culture with others, along with learning about other cultures. I love coming here and being able to have quick mini catch-up sessions with the families that have been there for me growing up.
Coming home to open arms is honestly the best feeling in the world. So proud of this group of performers, and so appreciative of the families and volunteers at this pavilion. Maraming salamat po!
Thank you again to Christian of Viewsual Media for exploring three cultures with me in one day! And thank you again to the Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion for welcoming me home with open arms. <3
** For a complete, updated listing of pavilions I have visited so far, please click here.
xoxo,
Judianne