In keeping with holiday traditions, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group present the Vamos A Belén: Pastores Dance Competition, featuring the traditional presentation of the Christmas story, on December 15, 2024 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater). The competition is open and free to the public.
The pastores, a Spanish word for shepherds, dramatizes the herders’ adoration of the Infant Jesus in Bethlehem. It also refers to the tradition of performing Christmas songs and dances by singers dressed as shepherds, sending holiday cheers from one house to another.
Vamos A Belen puts the spotlight on this tradition through the national folk-dance competition, focusing on the interpretation of a literature on pastores based on documented material of National Artist for Dance Ramon A. Obusan.
For this year’s competition, the participants will perform their versions of the piece called
Pastores Tobog, a dance originated in Oas, Albay that uses flower arches, small flags bearing a Christmas wish, and white sheep.
The participating dance groups who took on the challenge of becoming the next Pastores Dance Competition winner are: Sarong Banggui Dance Troupe, Hiyas ng Sining Folkloric Dance Troupe, PUP Kayumanggi Dance Artists, Indak Kalasag Dance Troupe, Simeona F. Chanyungco Lahing Kayumanggi Mananayaw ng Marikina Inc., Sinag Likha Performing Company Diffun National High School, TerpsiCORean Performing Group, Kalakbay Dance Ministry, Mahidaiton Dance Troupe, and SAMBIT AA Inc. (Sentro ng Artistikong Manlilikha na Bumubuo ng Identidad at Talento Alumni Association Inc.).
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