Ballet Manila’s performance interpreting the difficulties faced by overseas Filipino workers drew raves at the recently concluded First Shanghai International Contemporary Dance Festival.
BM principal artist Gerardo Francisco and soloist Anselmo Dictado represented Ballet Manila in the festival held from July 30 to August 2 in Shanghai, China, joining scores of performing arts companies from all over the world.
Francisco choreographed OFW, which garnered first place at the 4th WiFi Contemporary Dance Festival’s Young Choreographers Competition in 2009.
OFW stands for “overseas Filipino worker” and is Francisco’s tribute to the Philippines’ acknowledged modern heroes who make a living in other countries, away from their families.
The piece depicts the journey of two workers, from the time they pack their things and depart from the airport to when they are already working abroad. In the number, the two dancers each lug around a suitcase, which becomes an integral part of the choreography.
Also adding color to OFW is its background track which combines dramatic music and simulated airport announcements using the voices of Francisco’s wife and daughter. Francisco worked with Ballet Manila lighting director Jimmy Villanueva on the track which they agree is one of the most difficult they’ve had to put together as it uses a variety of elements.
Featured as the finale on their performance night on August 1 at Lyceum Theatre, OFW drew enthusiastic applause, cheers and even shouts of “Bravo!” as the audience was visibly moved by the piece.
The positive response was gratifying for the two dancers. Francisco relates, “We were approached by so many people who congratulated us, including two VIPs, a director and a dance professor. Some asked for our contact numbers and extended invitations. ‘Yung iba naman, naka-relate sa OFWs (Some said they could relate to the OFWs).”
Francisco describes their participation in the festival as a great experience, especially since they got to meet a lot of performers from different countries. “Natutunan ko dito na ‘yung mga ganitong pagkakataon ay hindi dapat palampasin. Go lang nang go, learn lang nang learn! (What I realized is that opportunities like these shouldn’t be passed up. We should just keep going and learning).”
The Shanghai International Contemporary Dance Festival is a private endeavor, with private backing provided by Shanghai Dancers Association, Art Club, Shanghai Honor Communication Companty Ltd. and US-based KMP Artists.