by Kassandra Buenafe, OfCom | Feb 25 2024
As part of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT’s celebration of National Arts Month in February, the University’s resident performing groups showcased special performances with the collective theme of honoring National Artists in the Gabi ng Sining on February 23, 2024, at the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT Gymnasium.
The night was also made more memorable as the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT community was joined by National Artist for Music, Prof. Ramon P. Santos, who commended the talents of the IITians. In his speech, he articulated the relevance of arts in our humanity. “The arts are not just for entertainment, but the arts are a reflection of our souls,” he said.
Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan, who also took part in the opening number of the program, emphasized in his inspirational message the enduring nature of art and how art is valued in the University. “This is not only a whimsical or cosmetic endeavor —we take the arts very seriously here in ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT. As we always say here in our university, our academic progress is relevant only to the extent of our humanistic growth.”
The different performing groups of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT– Kalilang Traditional Music Ensemble, IDS Ringkaran, Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe, Echoes, Orions, and Octava Choral Society– gave spectacular performances that pay tribute to the artists who paved the way for our artistic culture and truly mirrored how art is admired and nurtured within the University.
The Gabi ng Sining 2024 ran two shows and according to the Center for Culture and Arts (CCA) Director, Asst. Prof. Amado C. Guinto, Jr., the event is the accent of Alampat 2024.
Following the Gabi ng Sining, three additional cultural events will be presented by CCA, in collaboration with the Museo ng Kaalamáng Katutubò and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. These include Pansak Yakan: Dancing Among the Yakan of Lamitan, Basilan; Himig Himbing: Mga Heleng Atin, a compilation of cradle songs from the Philippines; and the Visayan Songwriting and Stage Presentation Workshop/Training by the Echoes.