LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY (PIA5/Albay) – The Bicol University Albay Magayon Dance Troupe (BUAMDT) finished fourth out of seven competing groups in the 2023 Sayaw Pinoy Cultural dance competition, held during the 30th Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) Travel Expo from Feb. 3 to 5, at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
Representing Bicol, BUAMDT performed cultural dances which aims to promote the regions’ tourism and the Philippines as a whole.
BICOL CULTURE| The Bicol University Albay Magayon Dance Troupe (BUAMDT) showcases the Bicol’s tourism and culture through their dance performance and won 4th place during the 2023 Sayaw Pinoy Cultural Dance Competition during the 30th Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) Travel Tour Expo held at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City, from February 3 to 5, 2023. (Photo courtesy of PTCAO-Albay)
“The Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol and Albay Provincial Tourism, Culture, and Arts Office (PTCAO) assisted us during the competition and of course, BU President Arnulfo Mascariñas through the Office of the Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) headed by Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin Nebres III,” Wilven M. Mendaza, BUAMDT coordinator said.
Students and some faculty members from BU Institute of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation (BU-IPESR) were chosen as BUAMDT dancers by the Provincial Government of Albay and were endorsed to DOT Bicol to represent the region.
“We were informed about the competition last December. On the first week of January, the province followed up on the office of BUIPESR Director Carina L. Sales regarding the participation of the group,’’ Mendaza said.
Mendaza highlighted that they conducted five days of intensive group training while facilitating all the requirements for them to perform in the said competition.
For BUAMDT member and 4th Year Physical Education student Daniela Rose Baranda, the experience was once in a lifetime.
“The experience during the competition was one of the most memorable in my dancing life. Seeing those performances from different regions also motivates me to learn more about our own culture,” she said.
According to Mendaza, they were overwhelmed with excitement as they were given the opportunity to represent Bicol in such a prestigious event.
“We would like to thank all the Albayanos for supporting us during the competition. Its result was indeed a collaborative effort of the people behind the team. Maraming salamat Albayanos! Basta Bicolano Oragon!,” he said.
Following this success, BUAMDT has lined-up of training and performances within and outside the university to promote the culture of the province, region, and country.
For those who are interested to join the dance troupe, they may visit the 2nd floor of the BU Office of Student Affairs and Services (BU OSAS) building or they may send a message on their official Facebook page for schedule. (PIA5/Albay/With the reports from Ann Jubelle De Vera, BU intern)
Cover photo: Courtesy of PTCAO-Albay
