#๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ช๐ผ๐ ๐๐ป๐'๐น ๐๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ป, ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ผ๐ฟ
By: Lorenna C. Luna, LUPTO-GPC | Photos By: SLU Dance Troupe | Date: June 3-5, 2022
Two youth performers from the Province of La Union โ Jake Concepcion from the Municipality of Balaoan, and Gerald Casilla from the Municipality of Naguilian โ are among the 11-member delegation who represented the Philippines in the 2022 Busan International Dance Festival in Busan, South Korea on June 3-5, 2022.
In an interview with the La Union Provincial Tourism Office- Culture and the Arts Unit, the youth artists take pride in being student performers in Saint Louis University (SLU)-Baguio City and members of its university dance troupe. They are delighted by the great opportunity and privilege to represent La Union and the Philippines in the international performing arts scene.
Concepcion, who recently finished his Tourism Management degree, believes that his previous dance experiences during his elementary and high school education in La Union prepared him to get a college dance scholarship at the university. Though he was not included in their troupeโs first South Korea performance in 2019, his diligence and hard work eventually landed him in this yearโs international festival. โPassion and the love for your own craft is the key motivation to do betterโฆ Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa, [donโt lose hope] because there is always a chance and a time for us.โ Concepcion added.
On the other hand, Casilla, a 4th year Chemical Engineering student, remembers that he pushed through with his passion for dance despite being enrolled in the Special Science junior high school program. Aside from the fact that performing arts is his passion, he also appreciates receiving a scholarship to pay for his college tuition. โYou can make the best of yourself. Disappointments and criticism drive motivation to improve yourself. I believe dancers and artists are unique in their own craft and artistry.โ, Casilla emphasized.
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) underscores the importance of highlighting and supporting local genius and #tatakLUcal talents in culture and the arts. Supportive of Gov. Rapahaelle Veronica โRafyโ Ortega-Davidโs advocacy for youth empowerment, the PGLU remains steadfast in implementing programs and activities for a vibrant, flourishing, culture-sensitive and #StrongerLaUnion.
