Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

Group of German-Filipinos rekindles Pinoy roots by dancing 'Tinikling' dance with R&B music

ABS-CBN News

<div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAEyze-tm4MR6kEa&amp;cid=ABSV23dbra_1tlZN&amp;activation=click&amp;vip_mode=playing&amp;vip_position=bottom-right"></script></div>MANILA — An association of German-Filipinos based in Hannover, Germany is reconnecting to Pinoy culture by performing traditional Philippine folk dance &quot;Tinikling&quot; with a modern touch.Kendrick Macasero, a 35 year-old member of the &quot;Filipiniana Hannover&quot; association and a son of migrant workers from Batangas and Cebu City, told ABS-CBN News that the members of the organization have been dancing the &quot;Tinikling&quot; since their youth.However, they navigated into separated lives as they grow up, resulting to gaps not only with each other but also with Filipino culture.&quot;In recent years, many of us have started new chapters in our lives, whether it be studying, starting our first jobs, or starting our own families. There has been little time for us to live out our Filipino culture here in Germany,&quot; he stressed, saying they were used to celebrating their Pinoy culture together.But of course — humans will go back to their roots with more ways than one. Macasero narrated how their &quot;longing&quot; for a community with the same background and culture tied them back once again.The members now range from 23 to 35 years old.&quot;The longing for community with people from our cultural background and the longing to share Filipino culture with the upcoming generations brought us back together. Since we all knew the classic folklore dance, we decided one day to give it a different touch,&quot; he explained.Since they attended a Ne-Yo concert this year and they have always been a fan of RnB songs from the 2000s, Macasero said they decided to incorporate RnB music to their Tinikling modern version.In his <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDpHTVvMa9Y/">Instagram reel</a>, members of Filipinana Hannover wearing colorful shirts actively jived with Ne-Yo&#x27;s &quot;Because of You&quot; while also dancing Tinikling. The performers are all smiles while stepping in and out of the tapping bamboo poles.Macasero mentioned the performance was part of their association&#x27;s Christmas party. He said some of their members have experience in dancing, hence the choreography was easily made with their own unique touch.&quot;Cindy, a member of our group, is a semi-professional dancer and also a choreographer at a well-known dance school in Hannover. Together with Lyra and Kay, who also have dance experience, she worked on developing the choreography,&quot; he explained, adding they also watched some YouTube videos for inspiration.&quot;However, we also knew that we wanted to create something unique. We just wanted to surprise our parents and the guests at the venue. We never imagined that we would reach so many people with our dance!&quot; he continued.There was also <a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjf6Y3M_wC/">another reel </a>showing their funny moments and struggles while rehearsing the dance.<div>EMBRACING FILIPINO HERITAGE, HISTORY</div>The Tinikling dance originated in Leyte and was inspired by a local bird in Visayas known as &quot;tikling&quot;. The dance, which has been part of the Filipino culture since Spanish occupation, mimics how tikling birds would walk and jump over tree branches as well as traps.For Macasero, Tinikling represents rich Filipino identity.&quot;The Traditional Filipino dance embodies a rich tapestry of history and heritage, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped the Philippines over centuries, including indigenous, Spanish, American, and Asian elements. For a Filipino-German, you embrace this heritage and this history the older you get,&quot; he said.&quot;These dances represent just a little fragment of Filipino culture, but it supports preserving cultural identity and passing down traditions to future generations. They foster a sense of pride and belonging among Filipinos, both at home and in the diaspora,&quot; he added.Macasero noted that while Tinikling served as a crucial link of their association to connect both German and Filipino culture, everyone can also find their &quot;authentic way&quot; to revisit their roots.&quot;I think it’s important for all second-generation Filipinos around the world to continue carrying on traditions and not to forget the stories of their parents’ generation and their migration history,&quot; he stressed.For those Filipino barkadas and families abroad who would also like to try Filipino folk dances, Macasero advised to stay connected to Filipino culture and seek out other people who are interested in it. &quot;The rest will come naturally, it&#x27;s something we built for the diaspora generations to come,&quot; he said.

An association of several German-Filipinos based in Hannover, Germany is reconnecting to Pinoy culture through performing traditional Philippine folk dance "Tinikling" with a modern touch.

An association of several German-Filipinos based in Hannover, Germany is reconnecting to Pinoy culture through performing traditional Philippine folk dance "Tinikling" with a modern touch.

Group of German-Filipinos rekindles Pinoy roots by dancing 'Tinikling' with R&B music

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Group of German-Filipinos rekindles Pinoy roots by dancing 'Tinikling' with R&B music

Ched Rick Gatchalian,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 28, 2024 12:36 PM PHT

|

Updated December 28, 2024 01:52 PM PHT

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ABSnews

ANC Promo

Tinikling

Germany

Philippines

German-Filipino

Dance

Ne-Yo

Because of You

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