26 May 2016 – The Helobung Community Dance Troupe represented the Philippines at the ASEAN-Russia Festival of Cultures held in Sochi from May 19 to 20 in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership.
The Helobung Community Dance Troupe is the cultural performance group of the T’bolis, one of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao with a population of 200,000. The T’bolis has a rich musical culture with a variety of musical instruments from percussion to woodwind and string. Helobung performed a wide repertoire of songs and dances which greatly impressed the people of Sochi.
Part of the festival was an exhibition where the Philippines showcased the rich culture and unique art of the T’bolis. A master-class was also conducted at the sidelines which were participated in by Sochi locals and festival participants from ASEAN countries.
The Helobung (which means “never ending joy” in the T’boli language) was organized to commemorate the foundation of the town of Lake Sebu in 1983. END
