Narrative Report: Sabah International Folklore Festival (SIFF)

One of my goals in life is to experience the passion for traveling while I am in college,
hence the reason why I chose Tourism Management as a course. But who would have thought
that I will have this one-of-a-kind experience, because of my loyalty to one of the best
organizations in Palawan State University that I have considered as my second family? In reality,
I was born to my parents. But here in this school, the Sining Palawan Dance Troupe (SPDT)
have conceived me and nurtured not only my talent, but also my personality and my confidence
level. That is why upon hearing the news that I will be travelling to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for
the 10th Sabah International Folklore Festival (SIFF), I was jumping with joy because I can
finally get to do two things that I really love to do; dancing and travelling. In addition, I will be
travelling along with my dance troupe, my second family, in this fun and multi-cultural venture.

Basically, the SIFF aims to promote peace among countries through the showcase of rich
cultural traditions and heritage. It was participated by seventeen (17) countries from Asia,
Europe and Latin America. And the best part was that the Palawan State University Sining
Palawan Dance Troupe was the ONLY representative of the Philippines in this festival. It was an
honor yet anxiety filled the most of us as we will represent the country singlehandedly.
Nevertheless, we believe in our capabilities as a dancer, as a performer and as a team. So, we
know from our hearts that we got this regardless of being the Philippines sole representative.
SIFF is a six-day festival, from August 10-15, 2015, that highlights various activities with a
given theme Peace through Culture. With seventeen (17) participating countries, the 10 th SIFF
served as an avenue for cultural exchange and platform for exuding the quality artistry through
means of traditional dances.

The event was very spectacular, starting from the opening. The opening parade was super
grand and very festive and colorful. Its like every opening of Baragatan Festival here in Puerto
Princesa every year, except this one is very majestic to the point that you would want to be a part
of it. Its like one of those festivals in Rio de Janeiro, but only this one is more sophisticated and
more cultural because of the ethnic traditions provided by each country representatives. Each
participant had managed to represent their country very well and really showed the beauty of

their cultural and social traditions in the field of music and dance. Clearly, the opening ceremony
was indeed a majestic moment for all of us. For my first day on this event and in Malaysia, my
senses are hungry with delight and enthusiasm as to what are bound to happen next. Regardless
of the fun festivities of the event, we still have to keep in mind the real purpose of going here;
the competition proper. So, every night of everyday we will practice the dances that we are about
to perform during the competition as preparation for our specific pieces. It always counts to be
prepared, as we always instill in our minds. However, we never forget to incorporate fun in
every practice as dancing is an art that keeps your feet stomping that brings joys to everyones
faces; whether you are the performer or the audience. To sum it up, during the first five (5) days
of the competition after the opening ceremony that was held during the previous day, we
presented traditional Filipino dances that would make our audiences wow and at the same time
aiming to make them see the passion to our talents.
As the competition approaches its end, the Palawan State University Sining Palawan
Dance Troupe had garnered the Chief Minister Awardee or in ordinal term, Second (2 nd) Place.
Which means that the sole representative of Team Philippines had made it at the top. You have
not seen it at that time, but the thought of us seeing each other screaming and smiling for joy was
super priceless. For us, it was the victory of a lifetime. Even though we did not bring home the
bacon, at least we brought home at least the half of it. To represent the country singlehandedly
and still making it to the top is a no joke factor at all. In a sense that we have managed to make
not only the country proud, but also Palawan State University and also our SPDT family. The
fact that I, as a proud member of this society, had made it to Malaysia and brought honor to my
school and my college, it made me feel like I was the happiest person alive during those
declaration moments. Our society had reached out the hearts of every country, showing how
talented and artistic Filipinos are showcasing our ethnicity and authenticity in our art.
Overall, my experience outside the country was the BEST for a first timer. I am very
happy because who would have thought that my second family will be my access to achieve my
dream of getting outside the Philippines to travel. I guess one of the greatest lesson that I have
learned upon this venture is loyalty and total commitment to your passion and to never forget
those people who have brought you up to this position. Because you wouldnt be there if it
werent for them at the first place. My big thanks to the Sining Palawan Dance Troupe, my

second family, for this one-of-a-kind experience. For seeing the potential in me and had
expanded it even more for me to grow and become a better performer and to exert more effort
and do my best in heart and in mind, and of course for travelling to Malaysia, free of charge.