About Us
Philippine Performing Arts Company
There are four major performing components – Senior Company, Junior Dancers, Rondalla/Percussion Instrumentalists and the Harana Singers. Under the artistic direction of George Ragaza, from 1985 to 1989, the Senior Company presentations were enhanced tremendously by his expertise in Philippine dance technique and styles, costuming and ethnic music. Joji Ramirez Castro, former member of the world famous Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, joined PASACAT’s artistic staff in 1986 and has guided the development of the energetic and eager Junior PASACAT Dancers. Since 1990, she has taken the position of PASACAT Choreographer/Dance Director lending her expertise in authentic Philippine dance.
Since 1992, PASACAT’s Extravaganza concerts have consistently garnered rave reviews describing PASACAT as “exuberant” and for its “smooth and well paced choreography, ” a “touring professional company…with young and fresh, skilled and well drilled dancers; the choreography as “total visual delight.” CNN International featured PASACAT on Inside Asia, February, 1996, airing in 226 countries. Footage from the 1994 Extravaganza and interviews with the Anamaria Labao Cabato, Executive Director and Castro, drew the conclusion that Philippine dance is a “looking glass in which present generations can peer for clues to understanding themselves better.
Music Development
The beginning of a new decade in 1980 brought new dimensions to PASACAT. Bayani Mendoza De Leon, of the University of the Philippines, developed the music ensembles in voice, rondalla and indigenous percussive instruments. This expansion broadened the Company’s horizon in promoting the rich culture of the Philippines. This is evident in the PASACAT 1982 Rondalla and Vocal Ensemble’s contribution to the Magandang Pilipinas, record album, captivating a wider audience.
Performances
PASACAT, in its 35th season , continues to contribute to the cultural enrichment of San Diego. Fifty performances are given yearly by the 60 member company, to an audience totaling 16,000 for numerous educational, cultural, religious and social organizations. Major productions include the Junior Dance Concert, Extravaganza and Parol Festival.
PASACAT on Tour
As early as 1975, PASACAT has performed throughout California for the Philippine Department of Tourism Balikbayan Road Show; Department of the Army, Yuma Proving Grounds Multicultural Festival; the Philippine-American Community of Palm Springs. PASACAT has performed and provided Philippine dance consulting for the Univeristy of California, San Diego; San Diego State University; University of Riverside Pilipino Club (Katipunan), and the University of California Santa Cruz. Other significant performances have been for the Los Angeles reception for His Excellency President Fidel Ramos, U. S. Conference of Mayors, National League All- Star Baseball Game, Unveiling Ceremonies of the Philippine Float for the Rose Parade and the 1998 Super Bowl Pre-Game Show, Qualcomm Stadium. PASACAT has been on the prestigious California Arts Council Touring Artist & Presenting Program, since 1998.
August, 2002, PASACAT had the distinct honor of performing at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, with the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company in celebration of its 45th Anniversary. Seventeen Company members were given music and dance workshop by Bayanihan – a first for any U.S. Philippine dance company.
Member Composition
PASACAT has a cohesive ensemble of 25 dancers and 8 musicians committed to promoting Philippine dance and music. Members are second generation Filipino-Americans. The average length of service is 7 years with 15 members having 10 years of PASACAT performing experience. The average age is 23 – the oldest 34 and the youngest 16. The long retention rate is attributed to the camaraderie nurtured in PASACAT, in which members become extended family, a strong Philippine cultural value. In the spirit of folk traditions, the dance and music knowledge is passed from one generation of members to another. The support PASACAT has received from the community for 40 seasons has enabled the purchase of their own rehearsal and storage facility – fully paid and an extensive collection of costumes, instruments and props from the Philippines!
