A century of life and weaving contributions of MB Magdalena Gamayo
The birth centennial of Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo, held at the Plaza del Norte Convention Center on August 13 brought together a vibrant community in celebration of the revered master weaver’s life and contributions to the art of weaving. With the theme “Ang Inabel ni Magdalena Gamayo: Sinapupunan ng Ugnayang Pampamayanan,” the event was a convergence of cultural performances and tributes, marking a historic occasion as the first centennial celebration of a living GAMABA Awardee.
Organized collaboratively by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, and the local government of Pinili, the celebration transformed the venue into a space of festivity and reverence. Friends, family, fellow weavers, students, and officials all gathered to honor Nana Dalen.
The evening commenced with the harmonious rhythms of Ilocano oral tradition, highlighted by MB Adelita Bagcal’s dallot—a ceremonial prayer typically performed at significant gatherings. The celebration featured a rich display of artistic forms from several Manlilikha ng Bayan across the Philippines. The Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe, founded by MB Alonzo Saclag, presented the traditional Tachok and Challichog dances of Kalinga. MB Adelita Bagcal led the Ilocano oral ritual Padapadakam, where officials and guests offered gifts to Nana Dalen in a gesture of respect and honor. The evening also showcased Linggisan, Langka Budjang, Langka Igal Ma Jata Kibut, and Tradisyunal na Igal, traditional dances of the Sama people performed by MB Hadja Sakinur-ain Delasas. MBs Teofilo Garcia, Estelita Bantilan, Bundos Bansil Fara, Abina Tawide Coguit, and Barbara Kibed Ofong.
Distinguished officials and guests, including Hon. Victorino Mapa Manalo, Chair of the NCCA; Hon. Jeremy Barnes, Director General of the National Museum; Hon. Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Governor of Ilocos Norte; and Hon. Rommel T. Labasan, Mayor of Pinili, also joined the celebration. Senator Loren Legarda also conveyed her greetings, which were relayed through the NCCA Chair. In attendance were NCCA commissioners Reden S. Ulo and Arvin Villalon, as well as NCCA Arts Ambassador and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
Resident weavers from the GAMABA Cultural Center, students of the Inabel Weaving Training Program, the Pinili Dance Troupe, Nasudi Chorale, and Saguday Chorale delivered a series of performances, each serving as a tribute to the legacy of Nana Dalen. In a poignant moment to immortalize her legacy, a birth centennial seal was launched and signed by Nana Dalen herself. The evening concluded with Agbiag, a communal toast, officially marking the beginning of the feast and leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
-30-
Pandanggo sa Ilaw 2024 paves cultural and communal heritage of Lubang
Lubang will celebrate its cultural heritage with “Pandanggo sa Ilaw 2024” on August 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bulwagang Bayan ng Lubang. Organized by the local government and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the event will feature traditional dance, music, and community pride.
Derived from the traditional folk dance, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, which originated in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, the festival was established to honor this rich cultural heritage. The Sangguniang Bayan of Lubang has enacted an ordinance mandating the participation of all barangays in the municipality every 12th of August. This yearly festival is not only a competition but also a celebration aimed at promoting and enriching the culture of Lubang.
The evening will kick off with an opening ceremony, including invocation, singing of the National Anthem, and the Lubang Hymn by the renowned Koro Lubangueño. Following this, a welcome address will be delivered by Ms. Anna Cilito O. Tria, President of Kapatiran 2024, and Hon. Michael L. Orayani, Mayor of Lubang.
Highlighting the evening will be the Pandanggo sa Ilaw Dance Competition, where various groups will showcase their talent and creativity in this traditional Filipino folk dance. The event will also feature a cultural presentation by Koro Lubangueño and a performance by the HipHop Dance Champion group, providing a modern twist to the evening’s festivities.
In recognition of the participants’ efforts, an awards ceremony will be held to honor the best performances. Special awards will be given for categories such as Best in Costume and Best Street Dance Performance. The night will culminate with the announcement of winners, including the Grand Champion of the Pandanggo sa Ilaw competition.
NCCA: ₱77M Funding for 77 art projects in Mindanao
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) underscores its vital role in fostering Mindanao artistry by offering 77 projects specifically for the region, with over ₱77 million in funding available through the Competitive Grants Program 2025. The deadline for submissions is on August 31, 2024.
Section 12.a.4 of Republic Act 7356 [NCCA Charter] authorizes the Commission to give grants to artists and cultural groups that contribute significantly to the Filipino’s cultural legacy to extend artistic achievement. Further, Section 13.h of the same law mandates the Commission to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA) and give grants for the development, protection, preservation, and dissemination of Philippine culture and arts. The Program is open to non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations (POs), indigenous peoples’ organizations (IPOs), individuals, local government units (LGUs), government agencies (GAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and public schools.
With a focus on four strategic outcomes under the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts 2024–2029: Filipino Identity Reaffirmed; Filipino Creativity and Innovativeness Harnessed; Humane, Inclusive, and Sustainable Communities Established; and Culture and Disaster Responsive Governance Enhanced, the NCCA Competitive Grants Program 2025 is poised to make a significant impact on the Filipino artistry.
The NCCA Competitive Grants Program is competitive in nature since the approval of project proposals passes through a rigorous and confidential evaluation process based on merit such as quality and relevance to Commission priorities. The projects are categorized under the four Subcommissions (composed of 19 national committees)—Subcommission on the Arts (SCA); Subcommission on Cultural and Traditional Arts (SCCTA); Subcommission on Cultural Dissemination (SCD); and Subcommission on Cultural Heritage (SCH). Proponents interested in implementing projects in each category shall submit a project proposal following the requirements and shall be addressed and submitted to:
Program Management Division (PMD)
National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Room 5B, Fifth Floor, NCCA Building
633 General Luna Street, Intramuros 1002 Manila, Philippines
Telephone Nos: (02) 8527-5535 (Trunk Line) locals 524, 541, and 507
E-mail: pmd@ncca.gov.ph
Interested proponents can only submit one project proposal; must fully accomplish the prescribed NCCA Project Proposal Form; must indicate and identify the corresponding category where his/her project will fall; must submit the documentary requirements; must be accredited by the Commission as a pre-requisite to the approval of their project proposal; may be accomplished in Filipino or English.
Officials, employees, and Executive Council (ExeCon) Members and their relatives up to the fourth civil degree of affinity and consanguinity, as well as organizations and institutions where ExeCon Members serve as officers and incorporators, are disqualified from submitting proposals.