All 10 entries of the Tarlac State University Performing Arts Dance Troupe won in the Golden Palm 2022, World Association of Performing Arts (WAPA) World Event, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The university’s world-class dance troupe reaped first place in two Grand Prix-Large Team competitions where they danced their iconic Tinikling and Bumayah.
They also secured first place in the Grand Prix-Small Team with the folk dance Ragragsakan.
Moreover, the group also won first place in the Trio Dance Category and Duo Folk Dance Category.
The three winning entries in the Trio Dance are Man Manok, Binasuan, and Amaemeytok, while the Duo Folk Dance winning entries are Aray, La Jota Moncadeña, La Jota Gumaqueña, and La Jota Tarlaqueña.
These dances were performed last December 20, 2022.
Meanwhile, last December 19, the TSU PADT was also awarded by the WAPA as the Best International Folk Dance Ensemble in Southeast Asia.
The international association also bestowed the Best International Folk Dance Director of 2022 award to Prof. Marcelino P. Balanquit, the head of TSU’s Culture and Arts Section.
In a message, Prof. Balanquit mentioned that the European judges were “fascinated” with the Philippine team’s dances and were dubbed as the “crowd favorite.”
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco joined the university delegation in receiving the awards last December 19.
He shared that the competition with the folk dance groups of other countries is tight, yet he remained confident that TSU will bring home awards.
The Golden Palm 2022 WAPA World Event was held on December 16-22, 2022.
