Filipino Dances
“Itik-itik”
by Hannah Benitez
Mapusiyaw ang kutis ng mga mananayaw
Sa pakpak ay kapit pa rin ang Indak
Malawak ang bantayog at ang paghawak
Ay tila nagbabalak
Panligaw ba ito sa dapit-hapon
Tinatangkilik ang sayaw ng Itik
Pagpapahayag ng kanyang kaligayahan
Bituing nagniningning sa gitna ng sayawan
Sayaw ng dalawang kaliwang paa
Maligalig ang pagbabadya ng paghanga
Panglawas itong ginawa
Ng mananayaw na si Francisca
Marahuyo ang pagaspas ng bawat tugtog
Hinubog at mula sa mosyon ng ibon
Yaman ng Cantilan
Ang Sayaw, Sining at Kalikasan
“Cariñosa”
by Hannah Benitez
Irog kong sinta, tanaw ko ang iyong titig
Makisig ang paglapit ng ating mga anino
Pitik-pitik ang dala kong pamaypay
Sayaw na galing sa Panay
Makarinyosa at marahuyo
Nananalamin ng taguan ng damdamin
At kung papalaring tanggapin
Ito ang aking salamin ng pagamin
Sulong ko sa camisa kong dala
At sa barong mong saplot
Ang pagtatala
Ng sagot sa mga tanong na gusto malaman.
Day Pajarillo
I started drawing at age 3 in the Philippines, got my degree in Fine Arts painting major and I worked as a fashion designer in Qatar. I came to Calgary in 2008 under a work permit. My art career has been put on hold for a decade to work and provide for my family back home. After acquiring my permanent status and collecting my daughter to join me here in Canada, I continued my passion in painting with people as my main subject. As a Filipino, I have painted numerous pieces about my culture and folk dances with colorful costumes and body movements. Now, being a Canadian citizen, in a diverse cultural population, and to express my respect and appreciation living in Mokhinstsis territory, I would like to show that everyone is a part of me and my art. I practice modern art in cubism and impressionism.
Hannah Benitez
Hannah Justine Benitez is a spoken word poet and contemporary arts enthusiast originally from Bulacan, Philippines. Now based in Calgary, she actively participates in the local arts scene, having performed at events such as Calgary Poetry Slam and Poetry Parlour. Her poetry delves into themes of identity, culture, and personal experience, resonating with diverse audiences on both English and Tagalog. Through her evocative performances, Hannah continues to amplify Filipino voices and narratives within the Canadian arts community.
