From :Richard Dian Vilar posted to 1974-2014 40th of KAMBAYOKA group. I would like to share this message from a Mindanaon culture and Arts Icon... Salamat kaayo Karl Gaspar for the praises and inspiration.. On Monday, March 10, 2014 9:22 PM, Karl Gaspar wrote: KAMBAYOKA: DUNGGANON KA! MAGSAULOG TA! Has it been 40 years? Could it be that long ago? Time has flown so quickly; one only realizes this truism when celebrations arise. I saw Sining Kambayokas major productions since 40 years ago. In 1974, I was Regional Manager of the Philippine Business for Social Progress for Mindanao with our offices in the now legendary Susana Building, along J.P, Laurel St. in Davao City. I had to travel extensively to various parts of Mindanao because of my job and Marawi City was a favorite destination. We had projects with the Community Outreach Center of the Dansalan College and I had known the Columban Fathers who served as chaplain at MSU. So I had exposure to the early years of Kambayoka. As I had some connections with the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA) from where Frank Rivera came from then, I had inside information as to the setting up of Kambayoka at MSU. Thus, I had the privilege to watch the breakthrough first productions. Through the years I have watched - with always a sense of wonder and amazement - the Kambayoka productions. I have admired the deep sense of creativity and originality of the Kambayoka artists from Frank to Garitoy to Sunny Noel. I have also worked with some of Kambayokas distinguished artists from Jeje Honculado to Richard Belar. Indeed, it is truly amazing how Kambayoka - despite the constant changes of artists and staff persons - has survived the forty years, given all the obstacles that have stood along the way. But its clarity of purpose, its roots in the MSU soil, its connectedness to the Maranaw and Mindanawon cltures, the sheer tenacity of those who have led the organization and the deep wellspring of talents and gifts of those constituting its ranks of theatre artists have served Kambayoka well so that it remains vibrant and fully alive. Congratulations Frank and all those who have followed you and those who have been molded by the legacy of Kambayoka. Dungganon gayod kamo (you are on a pedestal characterized by a sense of deep pride)! Long may your legacy survive so that you will continue to be a source of pride to all of us Mindanawons! Karl Gaspar CSsR PS: Happy 40th anniversary! If life begins at 40, theyouve only just begun and you have a long journey ahead of you.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 07:19:36 +0000
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