Category: Review
Other than the stories that my late grandparents told me about, history didn’t interest me when I was in school. In fact, my eyelids would automatically go heavier whenever the professor discussed about Death March, El Filibusterismo, Tydings McDuffie, and whatnot.
My view was changed when my Bohol Bloggers Collective friends and I joined the “Balik Sa Kagahapon” Tagbilaran City Heritage Tour, an initiative of the Bol-anong Kabilin Atong Bahandi (BOKAG- Tagbilaran) spearheaded by Mr. Lutgardo “Gardy” Labad.
The tour was guided by historian and former Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council head, Mr. Marianito Luspo. His stories about the city’s prominent leaders in the olden times had blown me away.
The journey to yesteryears began at the Plaza Rizal where the Kasing Sining ensemble performed a scene of their Dagon sa Hoyohoy musical. The two-hour tour ended at the Balili Ancestral House where we were welcomed by cultural presentations from different groups.
I love how this heritage tour connected me to the roots of Bohol, whose presence I’ve never felt before. I love this game changing idea of taking people’s impression about Bohol to the next level, making this province known not just for its beaches and hills but also for its rich culture.
Along with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Process Bohol, Kasing Sining Teatro Bol-anon Ensemble, the Provincial Government of Bohol, the City Government of Tagbilaran Tourism Office and Culture and Arts Office, the “Balik Sa Kagahapon” which was only a vision, has become a reality.
BOKAG’s “Balik sa Kagahapon” Tagbilaran City Heritage Tour is not only a creative approach for immersing tourists to the city’s heritage. It is also a better avenue for locals to embrace the bygone culture of their land, and an effective way for me (and perhaps, for students who get bored with the subject) to learn and love History.
BOKAG Balik Sa Kagahapon Heritage Tour: An Effective Way To Love History
Hand in hand with the Provincial Government of Bohol as well as the Bohol Center for Culture and Arts Development, the Philippines Academy of Family Physicians (Bohol Chapter) brought UP Singing Ambassadors to Bohol for its Behold Bohol concert last June 12, 2017. UPSA prides itself as among the four Filipino chorales to compete for the European Grand Prix, and was the first Asian to win the grand prize of the 2001 Guido d’Arezzo, which is the most prominent choral contest in Italy.
The crowd went all smiles when the gate of the Tagbilaran City Cultural Center opened. And as I’ve expected, the Cultural Center was packed with excited faces, waiting for the concert to start.
I was all eyes and ears as the chorale paraded on stage in their Filipiana and suits. At first, I thought it would just be a typical concert. But once the group’s founder and conductor, Dr. Ed Manguiat, waved his hands before the singers, mixed emotions took place. No wonder Dr. Ed Manguiat has won 5 Grand Prizes, 23 First Prizes and other special awards in 18 European choral competitions and is now called as an Honorary Son of Bohol.
It was supposed to be Independence Day, but Dr. Ed Manguiat’s hands were like wands casting some magic to the ensemble, and potion to crowd. And yes, I was one of their captives, enthralled by their roller-coaster performance. Every piece was a pleasant surprise. I laughed. I cried. I sang along.
I’ve never been to a concert like that. The repertoire was properly lined-up. From classical to songs of worship to modern genre, every piece was a pleasant surprise. I laughed. I cried. I sang along. I admit, it was the first time I’ve heard of “Tong Song”. And when the show was over, I yelled for more. But what has moved me the most was that the group went to the crowd and personally thanked every guest for watching the show.
In commemoration of their 37th anniversay, the UP Singing Ambassadors Behold Bohol concert was part of the Lakbay Musika concert tour. Proceeds of which will be for the benefit of the medical and psychosocial health of Inabanga and Clarin residents. The UPSA is confidently a world-class performer with a heart.
Paints & Quills 