March 28, 2016 | Dennis T. Perez
I have nothing but pure respect and appreciation for this year’s Pagbati performance. I raise my hands to salute the men and women who made Ibaan’s prestigious and long-running tradition a big blast from the past, particularly Kapitana Jean Mikhael T. Avila, Kapitan Phill Joshua G. Caringal and Bise Kapitan John Rick DC Caringal. And yes, I won’t fail to mention the artistic and fiery-minded choreographer, Mr. Sheldon Bencent Ilustre Guino.
I have been covering Pagbati since 2011. I was quite contented to have the photos and video uploaded for everyone to see. But this year, my mind has been screaming. It feels like I got millions of Minions in my head, freaking out and dragging my hands and fingers to strike my computer’s keyboard and write something about it.
It would be insane of me to simply let go of the scenes that I witnessed during the Pagbati dance march. They just keep on flashing before me. And I have to admit, after uploading the video at Taga Ibaan Ako Facebook page, I would laugh at myself as if I’ve gone to become one of the broken records watching the video over and over again! I love it!
Wait. So what’s with “a big blast off the past”? Let me give you an account of what I have in mind.
From Statue To March Dancers
Don’t take it literally guys. But as far as what I’ve seen, I think this year’s pagbati performers moved and danced more. Both their feet and hands were all over. I’ll add their fingers as well. Notably, Kapitan and Bise Kapitan were stomping next to hip-hop dancers, yet remained loaded with discipline and decency.
They got their feet kicking, bending, and swarming the ground like they own it. I thought I was watching Happy Feet the second time around seeing them.
And the hands? Yes, there are really times that they have to keep them at their back. But in so many occasions, again, there was freedom of movement and they perfectly complemented their feet. And they no longer strut like a handcuffed Alcatraz prisoner.
How about Kapitana? I think everyone will agree that she got the marching music in her body. She’s fluid in completing the sequences of her dance steps. Her hands and feet were quick to respond to every beat of the music. She’s no Japanese robot Kodomoroid and Otonaroid. She’s a swift as a coursing river with the gustiness of a tropical storm wind whenever she wave her Pagbati flag to the beat of the music.
Thus, if I may say, the three of them are natural dancers. Their body language speaks the loudest.
High Wire Attire
During the first set of dance, Kapitan and Bise Kapitan wore something that is a complete break-away from the traditional Barong Tagalog. Correct me if I’m wrong, but their attire resembles that of Spanish military officer during colonial period. Or maybe something like those worn by gentlemen of European royal families. You can tell by the presence of shoulder patch and the string that runs across the right chest.
Most of the time, Barong Tagalog that worn by Kapitan and Bise Kapitan is designed with intricate embroidery. This time, ethnically woven fabric is used, perfectly complementing the buttons line. The fabric also runs around the waist line.
I just have this thought. Maybe it would be nice to see Ibaan habi, or kulambo instead at their attire. Or a combination of both. Does it make sense? Or maybe I’m just trying to make sense out of it? Naahh. Regardless of anything, both Kapitan and Bise Kapitan looked great with their attire.
As usual, Kapitana will always look elegant in white. It can’t be, or it shouldn’t be replaced. She should always be and start in white.
Blithe Music Beat
Majority of the people we’ve come across after the performance would talk about the beat of the music used. According to them, it’s lively and spontaneous.
Performing at Medrano Plaza, you can see people either tapping their fingers on their lap or thumping their feet on the ground. Or simply nodding at the tempo of the drums and horns.
Everyone felt their blood rushing through their veins. After days of agony commemorating the days leading to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, people really seem to feel complete redemption. And listening to Pagbati music is the best way to start a new life.
Just like Jason DeRulo’s song “Trumphet”, the lyrics goes like “yeah the drums they swing low, and the trumpets they go”. And Ibaan was alive on Easter Sunday morning.
Maestro Guino
Sheldon Bencent Guino is probably the biggest revelation in Ibaan Pagbati march dance.
For a long time, being with Saint James Academy, Sheldon has been into dancing, choreographing and directing SJA’s cultural arts performances no matter how big small the occasion may be. His latest work was witnessed by Ibaan during the Les KuHLiemBo Festival 2016 where his dance troupe performed a remix of different Philippine festival and nationalistic songs at Medrano Plaza.
With Pagbati steps being kept intact from Dr. Ilustre all the way to Ma’am Lilian Perez’s time, Sheldon’s flashy moves just made it even better. A lot of flares and dynamism were added. Connection and certitude among the Pagbati performers were established. They swang like enchanted swans as if nothing bothers them in the middle of motionless lake. As if nothing else matter. As if they’ve been doing the routines for centuries. Needless to say, they did enjoy what they were doing. And Sheldon is the biggest contributing factor.
With great sense of music and being highly conscious of its elements, Sheldon’s artistry complemented and blended well with Pagbati steps that we grew up with. If you can call it a revolution, then Sheldon himself is a revolutionary. He was able to make every Ibaeños feel more proud and embrace Pagbati as their own again.
Pagbati performers, their parents, and organizers made the right decision to have him run the show. Congratulations also to all of you for a job well done.
And for that, A BIG SALUTE TO SIR SHELDON BENCENT ILUSTRE GUINO!
He just curved his name in Ibaan history. And for as long as there is internet, this blog article will be a reminder of what he has done for the faithfuls of Ibaan Pagbati tradition.
But we should never forget those who started it all -the great Dr. Benjamin Ilustre, and the graceful Mrs. Lilian Perez (please enlighten me if I miss anyone so we can include them on the article).
Happy Easter Sunday Ibaan!
Photos taken by Aron Paul Minas for Taga Ibaan Ako.
Related posts/videos:
- Pagbati 2014 Rehearsal Night Part 1
- Pagbati 2014 Rehearsal Night Part 2
- Ebolusyon Ng Pagbati Part 1
- Ebolusyon Ng Pagbati Part 2
- Ebolusyon Ng Pagbati Part 3
- Ebolusyon Ng Pagbati Part 4
- Pagbati 2011 Rehearsal
- Giselle Ann Alcantara Cayetano For Pagbati 2011
- Pagbati 2013
- Pagbati 2013 Rehearsal
- Pagbati 2014
- Pagbati 2016 Photos 1 and 2
Taga Ibaan Ako 
If I’m not mistaken, the lateMs. Nona Rosal used to choreograph Pagbati as well.
ah. i think she did nga po. i’ll ask around about mam nona rosal po. thanks po.
Sheldon bencent ilustre guino
Last time it was Doc.Ilustre…one our prof.in music at St.James academy
boss wala ba full video na malinaw linaw 😀
unfortunately hindi po kami ang official na nag-cover po ng pagbati. i only tried to squeeze in to get a video. pero for sure meron po sila. hindi po nila siguro naiipublish ang official video ng pagbati.
mga 1 minute po siguro ng 1st dance nila ang na-miss ko sa video