No questions asked. Filipinos would always walk the extra mile for cultural shows. When I stepped into the Double Six Gallery and saw a full house, the world briefly stood still like a scene in a movie where the song 'Manila' (by Hotdog) comes to life, making me feel like I was back in the city. The audience, in turn, seemed like tourists caught up in a magic spell.
The powerful voiceovers added a cinematic touch that immersed everyone in celebrating our Filipinoness. The opening unity dance radiated the optimism of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Cultural Ambassadors who smile through life’s challenges. Dancers showcased elegant traditional attire while their intricate footwork struck a balance between choreography and poise. As the band filled the air with OPM classics, the fiesta transformed into a hyped rockaoke party. Because the gallery was full, I was with the ‘nosebleed section’ singing Eraserheads’ hits, claiming, 'Ganoon talaga (That’s just how it is), all Filipinos can sing”!
The fashion show was a quilt of authentic textiles and festival costumes, each piece telling a story about a happy little hometown within a happier, larger archipelago. This perfect blend of three-stars-and-asun vibe continued as the Cebuano comedic harana duet took center stage, becoming a showstopper. It felt like one of the intimate yet powerful shows at the Huseng Batute Blackbox Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Of course, the locals were excited about the Filipino feast awaiting them composed of pancit, turon, lumpia, adobo, lechon, kutsinta, leche flan, puto, and many more!
With a pen and a stack of sticky notes, I had meaningful conversations with the stars of the night and the crowd. Rodney King Lisondra, the overall event organizer, shared that the Bayanihan was inspired by a desire to preserve and celebrate Filipino heritage while fostering community and cultural awareness. Marcie Pesigan, choir director, noted that the songs reminded Filipinos to dream big while staying connected to their roots wherever they go. Similarly, Aziel Amper, costume designer and performer, shared how the event challenged her creativity while expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to honor her culture, a testament to God’s blessings and guidance.
Eric Sedillos, Cibola Arts Council Executive Director, reflected on systemic racism and inclusivity, saying, “This is the biggest crowd we’ve had in 15 years. Filipinos are welcome at the table”. Gwyneth Mortel Pacheco, President of the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico, affirmed that Bayanihan will continue. Lisa Salazar, Grants Cibola County Schools Human Resource Director, praised the event and said, “We have more in common than we thought”. For Arnold Lovato, born and raised in Grants, he shared, “I was really impressed by the spirit of bayanihan - a strong sense of cooperation. I'm especially proud of my wife, Connie Lovato, a Filipina, for her performance and inner beauty. I never knew she had such talent in performing arts”.
Lastly, I felt a wave of emotion when I asked John Martinez, Cibola Arts Council President, about his message to Filipinos in Grants, and he wholeheartedly said, “Be strong. Be proud. Make waves. This is your home”. For him, the night was a Christmas gift from the council to the community – a treasure within itself.
It felt like I had just seen the movie Heneral Luna (directed by Jerrold Tarrog) or looked long enough at the Spoliarium (by Juan Luna), and everyone around me was eager to talk about these masterpieces with the same admiration. Too bad it was time to say goodbye.
The Bayanihan was more than a cultural show; it was a tribute to a long-standing communal nurturance. Stories of resilience and joy like this will continue to mesmerize the world. Just as the rhythm of “Manila” kicked off the night, the Bayanihan wrapped it up with warmth that felt like home.