Sining Kumintang ng Batangas

THE province of Batangas has more to offer than its kapeng barako and balisong, as shown in the youthful exuberance and performances of its official cultural performing group, the Sining Kumintang ng Batangas.

Formally organized in 1992, the group is composed of students and alumni of Bauan High School and supported by the BHS faculty, staff and parents. It has since established itself, artistically and professionally as one of the premier dance companies in the Philippines. In 1997, Sining Kumintang was proclaimed the National Champion in Folk Dancing by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports. That same year, the group participated in a CIOFF festival in Israel organized by MAATAF – Israel’s Center for Encouragement of Cultural Exchange and Folklore; CIOFF is the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts, a non-governmental organization of UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In 1998 Sining Kumintang was one of a few select groups invited by the Cultural Center of the Philippines to perform at the World Folklore Festival in Manila, one of the largest festivals organized by CIOFF Philippines.

In 1998, Sining Kumintang was one of a few select groups invited by the Cultural Center of the Philippines to perform at the World Folklore Festival in Manila, one of the largest festivals organized by CIOFF Philippines. In the same year, Sining Kumintang was chosen as the Philippines’ Cultural Ambassador of Goodwill to International Folklore Festivals in France, Italy and the United States. In 2000, the Philippine Department of Tourism chose Sining Kumintang as its official cultural representative to the 2nd World Folkloriada in Tokyo, Japan.

Bearing the cultural flagship of the Philippines, Sining Kumintang is committed in propagating the cultural traditions of the Philippines. In May of this year, the group represented the Philippines in the gathering of ASEAN Ministers responsible for the culture and arts of Southeast Asia at the 5th ASEAN Festival of Arts held in Singapore.
Sining Kumintang is also the recipient of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Performing Arts Grant and has participated in the Center’s annual productions, festivals and special projects. Apart from having performed extensively in Batangas, its neighboring provinces and Manila the group has also toured Asia, Europe and the United States.

The group’s first US/Bay Area tour started several years ago, when Barangay Founder and Artistic Director Bonifacio Valera saw Sining Kumintang perform in one of the events at the CCP. Inspired and impressed, he immediately contacted Sining Founder Engr. Vicente P. Cordero and invited the group to perform in San Francisco. Bonifacio produced Sining Kumintang’s first-ever Bay Area tour and several more performances after that.

Sining Kumintang is now back in the US/Bay Area to present an evening of Philippine dance and music nn Saturday, August 4, at the Main Theater, Building 1, Skyline College, 3300 College Drive San Bruno, CA 94066. Show begins at 6:00 PM; Doors open at 5:30 PM.
Tickets are $25 General Admission and can be purchased online at http://skb.eventbrite.com.
For more information, please contact (415) 298-0083 or [email protected].
This event is made possible by Barangay Presents at www.barangay.org and co-sponsored by the Kababayan Program at Skyline College,

Sourced: asianjournal