"Panaghiusa" Ground Breaking

On Monday September 23, 2013 Estudio Damgo partners officially commenced the construction for the new multipurpose hall at Core Shelter, Bajumpandan with a festive and Filipino ground breaking ceremony.  Thanks to all the coordinating efforts from FU's advancement team, OFA, the Palihi dance group, Jay Cyrus Abuhuni band, SG Bank, the Creative Department, student and crew helpers, and Core Shelter dance troupes, Core Child and Beat Mazda!  The event was uplifting and memorable for the community residents and FU Estudio Damgo partners to share.

 - In memory of Leonardo Jessie Ybesate Jr. of the Palihi dance group, died two weeks after his performance for the ground breaking ceremony.  You are remembered for your talents as a dancer, makeup artist, and gracious friend.

 FU Band commences the event with a musical procession through Core Shelter neighborhood.  A native chicken proudly conducts the band ahead.

 Band leader, Jay Cyrus, smiles bright for the camera.

 The Palihi dancers performing a native and symbolic ritual blessing the site in preparation for the ground breaking.

Foundation University's Dean of Architecture, Victor (Dean) Sinco, and Mayor Chiquiting combine forces to crack the bamboo holding water, another Palihi dance ritual.

The late Leonardo performs one of the last traditional dances for the ground breaking ceremony.  I am so honored to have been in the audience that day and continue to reflect back on sitting beside him on the bus ride going to the site that morning.  I didn't know him very well, but we exchanged in polite conversation and witnessed his gentle, friendly, and positive spirit.  Leonardo was truly dedicated to his passion for dance and traditional performance, because we learn now, that he was ill during these remaining shows.  Thank you Leonardo for sharing your gifts.
 

 The blood from a sacrificial white chicken is a native ritual used to bless the soil for the new building.  Afterward the sacrifice, the chicken was given to Core Shelter residents to properly cook and eat.

 Estudio Damgo student leaders: Efren Torres, Daryl Suasin, Cheyenne Lopez, Leigh Lagrimas, and Rhea Dicen.

Core Shelter and FU guests watch the performance.  In this picture, Von Jovi Biala, from the first Estuiod Damgo project has been awarded one of "Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations" of the Philippines.  We believe his dedication on Estudio Damgo's Dungga Daycare demonstrated his academic leadership and excellence in being chosen for this distinguished achievement.  Estudio Damgo is thankful for your hard work and securing Php50,000 for Estudio Damgo program.  Congratulations Von Jovi Biala!

Estudio Damgo partners with William Ablong, Mayor Chiquiting, Dean Sinco,  Orlando Enguiq, and Maria Carola Alquero.

 Core Shelter dance troupe, Core Child, performs for the audience.

 Rhea Dicen speaks about the multipurpose hall.

 Core Shelter dance troupe, Beat Mazda, take the stage with electronic intensity.

 Resident children sit in front of the construction sign and observe the ceremony from the sidelines.

 Estudio Damgo partners take their shovels in hand to turn the soil for the new multipurpose hall.

Estudio Damgo partners: Ms. Alquero, Anna Koosmann, Mrs. Kadile, Johna David, Dean Sinco, the Mayor, Sir Ablong, and Captain Enguiq.