After two weeks, the UP Diliman (UPD) Asian Institute of Tourism closed the program Keheton Kenhulung Tboli: Weaving Indigenous Tboli Art, Culture, and Tourism (Keheton Kenhulung Tboli) on Feb. 19.
The lecture-workshop held demonstrations of the Tboli culture including chants and dances, culinary and intangible heritage, tinalak weaving, beadwork, and musical instruments, along with an artist talk led by Manlilikha ng Bayan, Rosie Godwino Sula.
National Artist for Music Ramon P. Santos said the event was an important program for everyone, “Sapagkat ang ating kaluluwa bilang Pilipino ay nandiyan sa mga sining na tinuturo sa atin ng mga kababayan natin.” Santos added, “Umpisa pa lamang ito, mas mahabang panahon pa sana ang maigugol sa pag-aaral ng kabihasnan upang maipalaganap ito.”
Jennifer Pia “Limpayen” Sibug-las, chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples said she hopes that those who attended the workshop gained new insightful knowledge on the IP.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Oscar G. Casaysay extended his regards and appreciation to Sula through a video message, while Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina Tanya “Joy” G. Belmonte congratulated Sula and the event organizers for the event’s success in her speech delivered by Quezon City Tourism officer-in-charge, Maria Teresa Tirona.
“Indigenous people are loved and respected and the richness of their cultural tapestry knows no bounds,” Tirona added.
UPD Chancellor Edgardo L. Vistan thanked everyone involved in making the event successful.
Meanwhile, Sula thanked those who appreciated their culture, music, and all of their creations, and said, “Without you people, we are nothing” and that all of these things are useless without support.
Sula also revealed to the audience that she doesn’t write and memorize the songs that she performs, and that all of them are spontaneous creations.
AIT Dean Giovanni A. Legaspi also thanked everyone for their support and gave a brief rundown of the program’s highlights along with an audio-visual presentation of the overall program and partnership.
