13/04/2026
๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐. With grace, precision, and commanding stage presence, the Irong-Irong Dance Company (IIDC) of West Visayas State University (WVSU) took the national stage, presenting their award-winning piece in the Indigenous Dance category of the PASUC National Culture and Arts Festival (NCAF) 2026, held at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center on April 11.
The group captivated the audience and judges alike with โPigapir,โ a traditional Maranao dance that celebrates royal courtship and feminine elegance. Originally recognized during the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC), the piece was once again brought to life as a showcase of the groupโs artistry and cultural excellence.
Known for its refined movements and the graceful use of the apir (fan), the performance highlighted fluid transitions, synchronized formations, and expressive gestures that vividly conveyed the richness of Maranao heritage.
Guided by Professors Noel P. Mondejar and Caryl C. Canson, the dancers combined technical mastery with heartfelt storytelling, reflecting a deep respect for Indigenous culture while upholding WVSUโs standard of excellence in performance and arts education.
The ensemble is composed of Cristel Ann Atong (BPEA 3-A), Pauline Joyce Barrientos (BPED 3-B), Mary Flor Beboso (BPED 3-B), Brando Bodejas (BCAED 4-A), Alexandra Nicole Claro (BCAED 3-A), Mary Danielle Dimo (BPED 2-B), Richard La-as Jr. (BPED 2-B), Kate Marie Lavilla (BPEA 3-A), Danthea Belle Loria (BPEA 3-A), CJ Kent Octavio (BPED 2-B), Joroviah Lois Patriarca (BPED 3-A), Jilyn Pielago (BPEA 1-A), Krystal Feb Roa (BCAED 4-A), Trishamarie Faye Romero (BPEA 2-A), Kenjie Mae Talamillo (BPEA 3-A), Chrislyn Marie Tanoy (BPEA 3-A), Tiffany Vidal (BCAED 4-A), and Rizabel Maxine Vilches (BPEA 4-A).
Through their dedication, discipline, and passion for Indigenous dance, IIDC not only brought โPigapirโ to life on stage but also reaffirmed WVSUโs commitment to preserving and celebrating the Philippinesโ rich cultural heritage on the national platform.
Story by Shin Maglasang
Photos by James Dominic Lamera and Hans Salvallion
Layout and design by Andrea Stephanie Aldaba
Logo by Janelle Aguimatang
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ซ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐๐
With precision, elegance, and cultural depth, the Irong-Irong Dance Company (IIDC) of West Visayas State University (WVSU), representing Region VI, elevated โPigapirโ to 2nd place in the Indigenous Dance category of the PASUC National Culture and Arts Festival (NCAF) 2026, held at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center on April 11.
Known for its distinctive use of the apir (fan), Pigapir unfolded through controlled gestures, graceful arm movements, and fluid transitions that reflected the elegance of Maranao court traditions. Each sequence carried symbolic weight, portraying dignity, refinement, and the nuanced expression of feminine presence within royal spaces.
Set on the cultural stage of the West Visayas State University, the performance stood out for its disciplined ex*****on, visual coherence, and emotional resonance, earning admiration amid a highly competitive national field.
Through this performance, IIDC reaffirmed WVSUโs commitment to cultural preservation and artistic excellenceโtransforming Pigapir into a living narrative of heritage, grace, and identity on the national stage.
Story by Shin Maglasang
Photos by Mark Stephen Dellavan
Logo by Janelle Aguimatang
