PART 2: Cultural Dance Presentation

Emcee: Sister Lovely Joy

🎤 OPENING TRANSITION TO CULTURAL DANCE

“Good afternoon brothers and sisters! Welcome to our Cultural Dance Presentation—a
special celebration of the 183rd anniversary of the Relief Society.

This afternoon, we honor this historic occasion with vibrant performances from each
ward, showcasing traditional dances from the regions where the 13 temples of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints stand across the Philippines. May this
presentation not only highlight the richness of our culture but also remind us of our
sacred covenant path as daughters of God.

Sit back, enjoy, and let’s celebrate together!

🎥 VIDEO PRESENTATION: "COVENANT PATH"

To begin, let us take a moment to reflect on our journey along the covenant path with
this special video presentation.

💃 COMMUNITY DANCE: Stake RS Leader & Selected RS Sisters

“Now, let us welcome our beloved Stake Relief Society leaders and selected sisters as
they open our cultural dance celebration with a unifying community dance! Let’s give
them a warm round of applause!”
PRODUCTION NUMBERS

Buhangin 3rd Ward

To begin our production numbers, the sisters of Buhangin 3rd Ward will showcase
Diyandi a traditional street dance from Cagayan de Oro City, where one of our sacred
temples stands. Cagayan de Oro, known as the “City of Golden Friendship,” is a vibrant
and prosperous city located on the northern coast of Mindanao, Philippines. With its
warm and friendly locals, vibrant street art, and diverse cultural experiences, Cagayan
de Oro is a city that welcomes visitors with open arms and provides a rich tapestry of
attractions for all to enjoy. Diyandi street dance, which means to “celebrate”, becomes
the perfect trademark to Iligan’s September celebration showcasing the harmonious
coexistence of the tri-people,Christians, Higaonon, and Maranaos in Iligan.

Let’s welcome them with a round of applause!”

Agdao Ward

Up next, the Agdao Ward will present Sinulog and Magellan’s dance, a
vibrant dance from Cebu. Cebu, an island cluster paradise, has rich
tapestry of culture, history, and attractions that captivate travelers from
around the world. Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in Cebu in 1521 is
significant because it marked the beginning of Spanish colonization and
the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines. Sinulog, meaning “sulog”
or “moving water” in Cebuano, is a vibrant cultural festival deeply rooted in
the history of Cebu. The rhythmic dance, mirroring the movement of water,
is a visual representation of this historical event and the unwavering faith
of the people

Let’s welcome them/with a warm round of applause!

Buhangin 1st Ward

Now, let’s enjoy a wonderful presentation from Buhangin 1st Ward, featuring Binatbatan
Dance, a dance that originates from Laoag. Laoag is a coastal component city in the
province of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Region, Philippines. A trade centre for an agricultural
region producing corn (maize), rice, and tobacco, also the base of a sizable fishing
industry.The Binatbatan is an occupational dance from Paoay, Ilocos Norte that depicts
the beating of cotton pods to separate seeds from fibers. with the use of two sticks
called batbat in the Ilocos region. Dancers maneuver in and out of parallel batbat sticks,
each about 18 inches long. The rhythm and speed of the beating of the sticks make for
a lively and colorful display.

Let us give them our support as they share this beautiful performance!

Sasa 2nd
Up next, the Sasa 2nd Ward will showcase Sarung Banggi, a dance from Naga, home
to one of our sacred temples. Naga City is famously referred to as/ the Heart of Bicol/
for being the regional center of commerce and trade, culture, and religion. Sarung
Banggi is a Filipino folk dance that originated from the Bicol region of the Philippines.
Before it evolved into a dance piece, its origin dates back to the Bicolano kundiman
song with the same title “Sarung Banggi”, which literally means ‘one night,’ tells about
an enchanted evening encounter/ between a lovestruck man/ and a lovely provincial
woman.

Let’s welcome them/ with a warm round of applause!

Babak Branch

Now, let us give our attention to Babak Branch as they perform Waray Waray, a
traditional dance originating from Tacloban. Tacloban City is known as the
“Gateway to Eastern Visayas.” With its strategic location, Tacloban serves
as the main transportation hub for the region, connecting it to other
provinces and islands in the Philippines, well known of its popular
attractions San Juanico Bridge and the historical site of General Douglas
MacArthur’s return during World War II.Waray-Waray depicts a courtship
dance which exemplifies the movements of the rooster and the hen, which
were prized commodities for the indigenous Waray people. With its lively
music, intricate footwork, and colorful costumes, the Waray-waray Dance is a
true celebration for the senses.

Let's give them our support as they share this vibrant performance!
Sasa 1st

The next cultural performance comes from Sasa 1st Ward, presenting Subli dance
from Manila. The National Capital Region (NCR), also known as Metropolitan Manila,
is the country’s political, economic, and educational center. Alabang, a bustling
district in the southern part of Metro Manila, is known for its vibrant mix of urban
development and lush green spaces. Subli is a dance that carries the heart and soul
of Batangas, a hauntingly beautiful dance with contortive moves made by men and
women to rhythmic beatings of the drum and clacking of castanets.

Let us give them a round of applause!

Bunawan Ward

Our next presentation is from Bunawan Ward, performing Balamban dance, a dance
that originates from Tuguegarao City. Tuguegarao City is the main entry to the
Province of Cagayan, while Santiago City is an independent city located in the
southwestern part of Isabela in North Luzon island of the Philippines. Balamban
Dance Festival is an annual celebration in the City of Santiago, mimicking the
movement of butterflies as a form of gratitude for bountiful harvests. It fully describes
the city and its Santigueños as grateful people as they positively co-exist with other
ethnolinguistic groups. The metamorphosis of Santigo is likened to a butterfly - from
a tiny settlement of 40 IPs, it became a pueblo and now, a vibrant and colorful city.

Please welcome them with a big hand!

Indangan Branch

Now, let’s welcome Indangan Branch as they present Dayang-Dayang, a traditional

dance from Davao City, home of our very own temple soon. Davao is a vibrant
destination with the largest land area in the Philippines, home to Mount Apo, the
Durian Capital, and the Philippine Eagle, located in the southern part of the
Philippines, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and warm
hospitality. Dayang - Dayang is a Muslim dance, emphasizes the movement of the
hips. The word Dayang Dayang means “Princess of the first Degree” believed to be
referring to Hadji Dayang Dayang Piandao, the first lady of Sulu.

Let us give them a round of applause!

Tibungco Ward

Our next performance comes from Tibungco Ward, showcasing Maskara from Iloilo.
Iloilo is a province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines while Bacolod, the
"Sugar City in the Philippines," located in the heart of Negros Occidental in the
Philippines. Known also for the “City of Smiles”, the Maskara dance demonstrates the
resilient and happy spirit of Bacolod residents despite economic struggles in the sugar
industry, wearing the smiling-faced masks, colorful costumes and unique accessories
seeking to overcome their struggles by celebrating life, unity and optimism.

Let’s give them a big round of applause!

Buhangin 2nd Ward

And finally, to conclude our cultural dance presentations, let us welcome Buhangin 2nd
Ward as they perform Panagbenga, a beautiful dance from Urdaneta. Urdaneta City is
a vibrant and growing city located in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines, known for
its abundant natural resources and bountiful harvests both from its vast landscape and
seemingly endless seas. Just around 49kms from Urdaneta, approximately 2 hrs, before
you reach the Baguio City well known of their famous Panagbenga dance.
Panagbenga which translates to the “season of blooming”, is showcasing a colorful
flower festival, held every February staging the city’s beautiful flowers, indeed blooming
and rising from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake.

Let's give them a resounding applause!

CLOSING REMARKS

What a magnificent display of talent, culture, and faith! These dances not only celebrate
the diversity of our country but also remind us of our shared goal—to build strong
homes, families, and communities centered on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

To give us the final message, let us now welcome President, President Dennis
Aquino, our Stake President.

CLOSING HYMN & PRAYER

Thank you, President Aquino. Now, we will sing hymn #309 As Sisters in Zion and the
closing prayer will be given by Sister Cornelia Dampios.

Thank you all for being part of this joyous occasion. May we continue to
strengthen our sisterhood, uphold our covenants, and walk steadfastly in the
Lord’s path. Have a blessed afternoon. ******END******