Chaiyi, Taiwan-—Kahayag Dance Company, a community-based dance group from Dumaguete City, performed at the annual Taiwan Lantern Festival to the tune of ABS-CBN 2012 summer station ID sang by Sarah Geronimo.
The station ID entitled “Pinoy Summer Da Best Forever,” which also featured Gerald Anderson, complemented Kahayag’s vibrant costumes and lively dance routines that highlighted the Philippine’s rich history of street dance.
The 40-member dance ensemble that has been competing and winning in numerous cultural dance competitions overseas was invited by Taiwan Tourism Bureau to take part in the annual lantern festival that promotes Taiwanese culture, history, craftsmanship, technology, and tourism.
A member of the group told Manila Standard that they felt proud for being selected by the Tourism Bureau to perform at the grand launch of the annual festival held on March 2.
The festivity was attended by Taiwanese dignitaries led by Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen.
Kahayag Dance Company, which is also flying to Greece in July to compete in the 14th World Festival of Traditional Dances, performed on the same stage where other dance troops from Japan, Indonesia and Taiwan also showcased dynamic cultural dances.
The well-applauded performance of Kahayag Dance Company showcased festive Philippine cultural dance mixed with hip hop. Its act featured maglalatik, pandango sa ilaw, maskara street dance and ballet.
The Taiwan Lantern Festival marks the final day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. This year, the annual festival that centers on the theme of Earth Dog is hosted by Chiayi County and lanterns will be on display until March 11.
During the festival period, visitors can use an app specifically designed for the event. The app provide useful information such as overall lantern zone intro, site map, special lantern zone reports, food recommendations, live streams, LED push notifications, AR experiences, 360-degree previews, traffic updates, parking tips and online shop tours. Called the Chiayi iTour, the app is available in English, Japanese and Mandarin.