RILI retains 'Timpalak' championship

The Bahaghari Cultural Dance Group of Rainbow Institute of Learning, Inc. receives their second consecutive Timpalak sa Katutubong Sayaw championship trophy. (Bottom row from left: Pauline Jenica Mole, Allyzza Mae Elnar, Ma. Alexa Labao, Dhoreen Lhyne Abogado, Hannah Chazey Pilongo, Kriz Emmanuel Opinion, Sammuel Rhoye Gonzales, Carl James Intia, Miguel Brandon Manalili, and Marck Alfred Ordoñez)

Rainbow Institute of Learning, Inc. (RILI) successfully defended its Timpalak sa Katutubong Sayaw championship by besting 15 other teams, March 7, 2019 at the Pila Municipal Center. RILI was represented by the Bahaghari Cultural Dance Group (BCDG).

BCDG faced tough competition this year from both public and private schools. The contest saw an increase in the number of participating teams--a total of 16--most of which attended a dance clinic. The dance clinic was organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) district Music, Arts, PE, and Health (MAPEH) coordinators to ensure that the participants execute the dance according to the dance literature.

This year's contest piece is Jotabal, a Maria Clara dance originating from Gumaca, Quezon. The dance literature was written by national artist Francisca Reyes Aquino, who researched the dance.

The contest started at around 3:00PM and finished at around 6:00PM. Labuin Elementary School took the podium for the first time with a 2nd place finish. Last year's 2nd place winner Pila Central Elementary School settled for 3rd place this time.