Draft:Kapawa Performing Arts

Kapawa Performing Arts was founded in the Philippines in 2021.

History
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the enhance community quarantine protocol leads to the closure of schools that disrupted the conventional learning experiences of students. The implementation of strict policy measures to minimize the contact and travel in the community inadvertently contributed to rise in psycho-social issues among learners. The abrupt shift to remote learning posed challenges such as technological disparities, limited social interactions, and the absence of familiar support systems which resulted to heightened stress levels and emotional distress. The lack of physical activities and reduced extracurricular opportunities further fueled feelings of isolation and monotony that impacted youths' overall well-being.

April 2021, Sir Eiljohn Derick B. Manikan created an innovation/community outreach program entitled "Kapawa sa Pagsaot: Bridging Community Through Dance Education." Initially, it functioned as a community outreach program with the approval of Mayor Manuel C. Ganzon, bringing together 24 young and talented individuals from Balasan, Carles, Estancia, and Batad for free dance training sessions every weekend.

'Kapawa' is a hiligaynon word which means light, wanting to give the community another ray of light through dance and cultural presentation. These efforts serve as a medium for psychosocial activity for the youth after the hiatus cause by Covid-19. Through the help of Camambugan Elementary School Headed by Principal Connie N. Buenavista who let Kapawa use the School gym for training and rehearsal purposes.

May 19, 2021, Kapawa Performing Arts was founded, with Narold B. Castellano serving as the Managing Director and Costume Designer.

Then on January 2022, the organization opened its dance school accepting enrollee as part of their Income Generating Project to sustain the financial and physical needs of the organization.

Dance drama pieces
Below are the original dance drama pieces produced by Kapawa School of Performing Arts since its inception as Eiljohn Derick B. Manikan serve as a choreographer and artistic director.


 * December 23, 2021 - Dr. Jose P. Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere." The dance drama was entitled "Huwag Mo Akong Salingin", with Jewel Angela Baylen and Rico V. Pachejo as the lead casts playing Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra, respectively.
 * July 3, 2022 - KPA produced another masterpiece entitled "Urduja: The Legendary Warrior Queen of Tawalisi," a legend from Pangasinan, Philippines. Zacherhea Mae Fajardo and Judilaine Pearl Acocoro were chosen to play the roles of Urduja and Nante-es Bilig.
 * December 22, 2022 - After delving into Balasan's folk stories, Kapawa Performing Arts created "Paroy: Balasan's Culture and Heritage from the Eye of the Oldest Living Paltera," an original dance drama production based on the narratives of Amparo B. Castellano, a 98-year-old midwife. The performance marked the debut lead roles of Lorea Rose Segura and Lyle Zydric Ariola.
 * December 18, 2023 - KPA staged another dance production entitled "Bagwis: Ang Alamat ng Mahiwagang Ibon," as an e-tale performance from the legend of Ibong Adarna, a Philippine mythological Phoenix-like bird. Rhyzel B. Bonso was chosen to perform the lead role.

In addition to original dance and theatre productions, the organization actively participated in fiesta celebrations, coronation nights, and pageants in the municipalities of Balasan, Carles, Batad, Estancia, and Anilao. As of now, Kapawa Performing Arts has more or less 90 scholars in total, making it one of the organizations with the highest number of scholarship beneficiaries. Last January 4, 2024 KPA became one of the satellite organization of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

General references

 * https://artseducation.culturalcenter.gov.ph/ccpdirectory/categories/dance/groups/kapawa-performing-arts
 * https://www.medioq.com/PH/Balasan-Town/103174741981219/Kapawa-School-of-Performing-Arts