Manila Dancers Shine

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia - The Philippines represented by the Tacloban Performing Arts Group almost made a clean sweep of the prizes at the 4th Sabah International Folklore Festival, Tuesday, by winning the Best Choreography, Best Music, Best Male Dancer (Mark Ryan Torente) as well as the Overall Winner title.

Indonesia, represented by the Daya Presta group finished first runner-up while its troupe member, Ari Tri Marnila was voted Best Female Dancer.

Kazakhstan, represented by On Alty Kyz (meaning 16 girls) clinched the third spot as well as Best Costume Award at the capacity-crowd finale at the Sabah Cultural Centre, Penampang.

State Culture, Tourism and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun presented the awards, in the presence of his two assistants, Datuk Ellron Alfred and Bolkiah Ismail as well as Datuk Mathias Tangau, Chairman of the Sabah Cultural Board, the event‘s organiser.

“I am extremely happy with the public response,” Masidi told Daily Express, the Official Media.

“Despite the H1N1 scare and the economic condition, the crowd is as good as ever which goes to show Sabahans highly appreciate culture.”

Source: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my (8 July 2009)

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