COMPANY PROFILE - Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe City of Koronadal
The Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe of Koronadal depicts the elegance of Mindanao dances and songs under loud, authentic music, quick footsteps and refined movement. The Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe, which represented the city in national and international events, is one of Koronadal’s very own pride. The dance troupe takes its name from the Hiligaynon word “Hinugyaw” which means merrymaking. Most of the HCDT’s cultural presentations reflect this fusion of diverse cultures to establish an identity purely of its own. The choreographic piece of its resident artistic director, Benhur Abulencia together with Mario T. Estacion, his mentor and dance researcher of many of the dances used by HCDT now served as the Dance Consultant and also Artistic Director in most Performance of the troupe, showcases the evolution of the three distinct cultures (Maguindanawns, B’laans and Christian Settlers) into a singular wave of rhythm and movement as a tribute to the creator, and in celebration of the spirit that Koronadal is known for, dynamic and persistent in its pace for sustainable development. HCDT was organized in March 2003 for the Visit Philippines in Intramuros, Manila, sponsored by the city government of Koronadal under the dynamic leadership of Hon. Miguel, who is also the founding chairperson of the troupe. Their awesome performances in Intramuros attracted numerous visitors including foreign guests who witnessed their unique presentations of the colorful Mindanao culture. This event paved the way for new opportunities for the Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe. With the help of the Late Regional Director of DOT-XII, Sohura T. Dimaampao, the organizers of the 22nd Southeast Asian Games invited the troupe in Hanoi, Vietnam during the Turn-Over Ceremony. Since then, the troupe has become the official performers of Region XII for the visit Philippines affairs. HCDT has been making the whole country proud in bringing the banner of the Philippine Culture to the different countries around the world such as City of Carson, California, USA for the 1st Tambayayong Festival(June 2006), in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia for the BIMP-EAGA Travel Exchange(November 2007), in Singapore during the (1) National Association of Tourism Agents - Travel Expo(February 2008), (2) International Chingay Parade 2014 Singapore(February 2013). These performances brought tears to the Filipino Migrants and mesmerized the throng of foreign visitors who were there to witness the performance. Today, HCDT’s legacy is in a continuous motion of bringing the vibrant culture of Philippines to link between the cultural gap with the Filipinos around the globe who are away from our country and making everyone proud, especially the people of Koronadal, showcasing the Filipino culture in a outstanding performances.
