‘Istorya DC’ features ‘Music and Motion’ at PH Embassy

Tanghalang Pilipino ng DC, The Angklung Ensemble entertains the audience with their interpretation of various Filipino folk songs. COTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON, DC – More than 100 guests from the Metro DC community joined the Istorya DC symposium held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex in the evening of October 19.

Promised to be a night of “Music and Motion”, Istorya DC captured the hearts of the audience with impressive musical and dance performances that truly showcased the best of Filipino culture through the years.

Rita Cacas of the Rita M. Cacas Foundation, Inc., the main proponent of Istorya DC, also welcomed the guests and gave a rundown of the program and performances.

The Filipino Cultural Association of the University of Maryland performs “Pandanggo sa Ilaw” at the 2017 Istorya DC symposium held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex on 19 October 2017. CONTRIBUTED

“Today, we celebrate Filipino American History Month and Archives Month. This year’s symposium celebrates DC area Filipino dance and music culture,” said Cacas.

During the interview sessions moderated by Dr. Theodore Gonzalves, Carmen Lagdameo-Stull recounted her experiences as a former member of the Bayanihan Dance Company, while active soloist, concertmaster and chamber musician Regino Madrid delighted the audience with an excellent violin performance.

“The goal of Istorya-DC to be an annual educational platform for Filipino American culture and history in DC, Maryland and Virginia is very commendable,” said Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto in his opening remarks.

Rita Cacas of The Rita Cacas M. Foundation Inc. gives a rundown of the program and performances during her opening message at the Istorya DC symposium. CONTRIBUTED ​

Other musical performances that captivated the audience include The Filipino Cultural Association of the University of Maryland’s “Pandanggo sa Ilaw”, Soprano Teresa Ferrera Blessing’s rendition of “Over my Head”, and Tanghalang Pilipino ng DC, The Angklung Ensemble’s interpretation of various Filipino folk songs.

Prior to the formal program, guests enjoyed a simple reception showcasing Filipino food from Filipino restaurants and caterers in the metro. They also had the chance to examine and appreciate the archival exhibits displayed all around the social hall of the Chancery Annex, while enjoying the music being played by DC deejay Les Talusan.

Istorya is a Filipino word for “story.” Istorya DC is an annual, educational gathering during the month of October to celebrate Filipino American History month and Archives month.

This year’s Istorya DC symposium was spearheaded by The Rita M. Cacas Foundation, Inc. in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy, Philippines on the Potomac (POPDC), and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).