“Inspired lang siya, so there is no misappropriation”- Nat’l Artist on “bahag” controversy

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Following the criticisms of their show, the choreographer of the “Alay nina Alice at Agnes” moves to disagree with the “cultural misappropriation” allegations of the Indigenous People’s (IPs) in Cordillera and in Southern Mindanao.

To recall, a show with women wearing ‘bahag’ (g-string) was streamed on the Facebook page of The Metropolitan Theater on Saturday, October 15, as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of “The Order of National Artists”.

On the first section of a dance performance labeled “Igorot,” the women can be seen performing a ballet wearing the “bahag” - the male Igorot loincloth.

Many IPs took to social media to voice their dismay, frustration, and denunciation over the show. Most pointed that the improper use of “bahag” is a misrepresentation of “Igorots” as their native garments represent their tradition and culture.

Earlier this week, Regional Director Atty. Atanacio Addog of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Cordillera said he will ask explanation from the show producers and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and will later talk with the elders to determine the penalty that shall be imposed for “offending” them.

On the social media page of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, the choreographer and a National Artist for Dance, Agnes Locsin aired her side on the issue during the Question and Answer portion.

An audience asked “how free choreographers are in the Philippine context (as) regards to the use of traditional dances in incorporating more modern or contemporary techniques.”

Locsin responded saying, “I have been accused of bastardization… My works are not pure, okay? I take inspiration from the tribal dances. I do not pretend that this is the way Igorots dance… Inspired lang siya so there is no misappropriation… I consider my works as my tribute to our tribal dances.”

She shared that she was likewise condemned in her choreographed Bagobo dance. The Bagobo constitute one of the largest groups among the indigenous peoples of southern Mindanao, says NCCA.

Locsin goes to describe the show as “Bagong Lumad” or “neo-ethnic,” a term coined by Joey Ayala meaning, a fusion of tribal dance and classical ballet.

“‘Yan ngayon ang catch, ano na, ”neo-ethnic.” Because it’s not ethnic anymore, it’s neo-ethnic, “Bagong Lumad,” because neo-ethnic was coined by Joey Ayala, the English… Bagong Lumad, his group before, ang english term niya was neo-ethnic. I needed a word so I asked him if I could use it, and he said, “Iyo na,” and he never used it again, so it’s mine. In the provinces, there are a lot of neo-ethnic competitions. They don’t even know where neo-ethnic came from,” she added.

The full interview may be accessed through, https://fb.watch/ggp0ZJ-zLA/.

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