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TO BUKANG LIWAYWAY DANCE TROUPE MEMBERS WORLDWIDE: MESSAGE FROM MR. OSCAR B. REAL AND MS. WINCIE E. ARAOARAO. PLEASE READ


MR.OSCAR BUHION REAL’S BUKANG LIWAYWAY DANCE TROUPE REUNION MESSAGE (DECEMBER 28, 2007)

Twenty – eight (28) years and still moving on – that’s the status of the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe (BLDT) since its founding in 1979. Other dance troupes in the city have some and gone, but the remained steadfast and strong inspite of the limitations and all the odds.

It was in June 1979 that I stepped into the portals of Bohol National High School as an English teachers. Fresh from the Bayanihan where I got my training in folk dance, Aldeguer Sisters School of Dance for jazz, Agnes and Bing Locsin for ballet and modern dance, I was more or less equipped to tackle a greater challenge – that of organizing the first dance troupe in Bohol National High School (BNHS). Of course, there was Mrs. Wincie Espejo Araoarao who was the real livewire of Bohol National High School at that time. She was a Physical Education (PE) teacher and her expertise in dance was unquestionable. Although we came from different backgrounds and orientations, we complimented each other’s strengths and weaknesses and got along so well. In September 1979, the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe was born out of our initiative. The school did not order us to do it. Two years after, the BNHS Drum and Bugle Corps was organized out of the funds raised by the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe. Again, without the school asking us to do it.

Ten years after, Ma’am Wincie left for the United States and I was alone to carry on the Herculean task of managing the dance troupe.

Twenty-eight (28) years of perpetuation, preservation and enhancing our rich heritage in dance, in this field, the only constant thing is change. Every choreographer has a trademark. BLDT has always been the emphasis in authenticity, the subtle sensuality and the polished structure of Philippine dance.

Infusing a new perspective and approach remains fundamental in the world of dance. Dance is forever evolving. As a choreographer, I really feel that the only way you can cope is to grow with the time. You really have to expose yourself to the outside world, travel, attend workshops, research and study because that’s the only way.

I credit the longevity of the BDLT in the perfect combination of skills, creativity, professionalism and the value of relationship. Added to these are the passion, dedication, and determination of the people behind the group. Talent is never enough.

For me, dance is more than work. It’s more than what I do. It’s already a part of what I am today, who I was before and what it has made me. I feel that I am a better individual for the community because of the BLDT. It’s a lifestyle for me and it’s what makes me effective. It continuously gives me inspiration and I realized that I could make people happy by making them dance. That’s how I became passionate about dance. I was able to reach out to people and really express myself.

A few years ago, in one of the conferences of the mentors of the Special Program for the Arts (SPA), we visited the late national artist Ramon Obusan in his residence and straight from his mouth, he told me that I am his alter ego. It was so flattering. Not all dance enthusiasts deserve that statement from a National Artist.

To all of you who are here for this reunion, thank you for having thought of doing this. This is the first of its kind in 28 long years. I hope that this will not be the first and last, and hoping that we’ll still be seeing each other as often as we can.

Dance lives on. Long live the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe!


My dear dancers of the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe, old and new: I love and miss you all.

My partner, choreographer and trainer of the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe,
Mr. Oscar Real, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good evening! Before I forget, allow me to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to the Gumop-as twins, Alma and Almi, for initiating the idea, telling Fiel that I should give an inspirational message.

I personally believe you don’t need any inspirational message anymore. The fact that you have already achieved something in your life now confirms you are already motivated. What I do have to say, instead, are reminders which would probably guide you in your daily life.

Always be aware, it is very important to be a person of values, and I don’t mean on the monetary aspect. There is nothing that can substitute honesty. Nothing can replace sincerity, goodness or kindness. Always strive to use the maximum of your potential which the Lord God has endowed you. Using the gifts God has given you is an expression of your thanks to God.

Be resourceful. Have a genuine and sincere relationship in dealing with your fellowmen, especially the less fortunate. Above all, in whatever undertaking you may have, always place God at the center.In this way, you could never go wrong.

I also wish to recall the time when I was still with the dance troupe for ten (10) solid years. I feel proud to say that I never heard any of the dance troupe members backbiting or quarreling against each other, neither can anyone hear Mr. Real and me arguing with each other.  The dance troupe atmosphere was solely based on proper work ethics on respect, dedication to service, cooperation and value of time. The existence of the BNHS Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe is praiseworthy and I attribute all the achievements to the dedication and untiring efforts of the one and only,  Mr. Oscar B. Real, whose qualities and values he possesses as a person and as a teacher cannot be surpassed. With the genuine support and commitment of the dancers of their valuable time and effort the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe has surmounted the tests of time.

To all the members of the troupe since its humble beginnings up to the present, I extend my profound thanks and gratitude.

I love you.

Ma’am Wincie
(MRS.) WINCESA ESPEJO ARAOARAO

 POSTED BY:

FIEL ANGELI ESPEJO ARAOARAO – GABIN
BLDT MEMBER


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