schoolscolleges2020 hed news

By Angelo Lorenzo

The Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts’ 11th installment of Panaghugpong offers platforms for local artists to showcase their talents as part of the vibrant artistic community in Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan which ripples throughout Cagayan de Oro City and Northern Mindanao.

This year, organizations under the culture and arts center have proposed and implemented activities that are inclusive even to enthusiasts of the craft – whether it involves music, the performing arts, visual arts, and literature, among others.

Celebrated in the whole month of February, Panaghugpong (which is the Bisaya translation for “convergence”) takes inspiration from the celebration of the National Arts Month which stems from the Proclamation No 683 s1991 for the appreciation of the country’s diverse and significant arts scene.

Cultivating local arts for national abundance

“Panaghugpong is a multi-arts festival that converges the various productions of the performing arts companies of Xavier Ateneo, as well as art workshops, exhibitions, concerts, and cultural education programs,” XCCA director and festival head Hobart Savior said during the opening at the XU Little Theater on January 30.

Citing the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ annual initiative, he continued: “The National Arts Month aims to promote and popularize artistic creation of Filipinos, integrate arts in community life, celebrate the significance of arts and culture in uplifting national spirit, and harness art as a catalyst for values education.”

Integrating these objectives has been part of XCCA’s major thrusts to contribute to the growth of the artistic community not only in the university but throughout the locality as well.

He pointed out that the celebration is being supported by the Xavier Ateneo community, with the use of artistic and cultural appreciation for the university’s social outreach, holistic formation, and well-rounded academic experience.

“Xavier Ateneo has been a nursery of artists that nurtures a playground of creativity, ingenuity, and passion,” he added. “It has brought its name and Cagayan de Oro in the national and international scene of arts and culture."

Panaghugpong at eleven

This year’s line-up is participated by Dulaang Atenista, The Xavier Stage, XU Glee Club, Xavier Philharmonia, Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe, Xavier English Language and Literature Organization (XELLO) and the Department of English Language and Literature (DELL), English Department of XU Junior High, and the XU Press. Productions have begun from January 30, covering the entire month of February, and will push through until the first week of March.

One of the anticipated events is the book launching of Palanca recipient Anthony L Tan. Titled “Crossing the River – Poems Old and New,” it contains literary pieces that resonate with the author’s ideas, reflections, and aspirations. Copies will be released by the XU Press and will be available to the public on March 7.

Like Tan (who takes reins in maneuvering Mindanaoan literature), Panaghugpong takes pride in local talents that excel in their chosen art. Staged plays by Dulaang Atenista and The Xavier Stage consolidate local narratives and adaptations that gauge on universal relevance. Concerts by the XU Glee Club and Xavier Philharmonia echo harmony. Stylized performances by the XU Cultural Dance Troop lead to encourage the appreciation for heritage. Meanwhile, XELLO and DELL’s film presentations educate viewers about environmental issues.

With February honoring arts and culture, Panaghugpong will not only serve as a celebration that highlights artists and their crafts. Rather, it can be seen as an initiative that proves how deeply art is ingrained with culture, which can be used as a tool to improve the state of the nation.

However, it begins in the community. For the 11th installment, just like its previous celebrations, Panaghugpong underscores the flourishing artistic community in Cagayan de Oro City and Northern Mindanao.

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List of productions in Panaghugpong 11

 

Name: #RelationshipGoals: Twin-bill Production

Proponent: Dulaang Atenista

Date: January 30 - February 2, 2019

Venue: Xavier University Little Theater

 

Name: Maestra: A Celebration of Women in Music

Proponent: Dawani Women’s Choir of UP Diliman and XU Glee Club

Date and Time: February 4, 2019; 7:00 PM

Venue: The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Xavier University

 

Name: Kulbahinam: A Surge for Emotion and Excitement

Proponent: XU Glee Club

Date and Time: February 9, 2019; 7:00 PM

Venue: Xavier University Little Theater

 

Name: Hanggang (concert)

Proponent: Xavier Philharmonia

Date and Time: February 13 to 14, 2019; 7:30 PM

Venue: Xavier University Little Theater

 

Name: Cagaiang: A Glimpse of the Past

Proponent: Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe

Date and Time: February 15, 2019; 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM

Venue: Xavier University Little Theater

 

Name: Eco Film Festival

Proponent: English 96.2, XELLO and DELL

Date and Time: February 19 to 20, 2019; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Venue: Xavier University Little Theater

 

Name: William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Proponent: The Xavier Stage

Date and Time: February 23 to 25, 2019; 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM

Venue: Xavier University Little Theater

 

Name: Dalawang Gabi

Proponent: The Xavier Stage

Date: March 1 to 4, 2019

Venue:  La Salle University, Ozamiz City

 

Name: English Month 2019

Proponent: English Department of XU Junior High School

Date: February 1 to 28, 2019

Venue: Xavier University Junior High School

 

Name: Crossing the River - Poems of Old and New (Book Launching)

Proponent: XU Press

Date: March 7, 2019

Venue: Xavier University Little Theater