Kalinga, Bagobo, Maguindanao "Power" dance is a showcase of culture many Filipinos know little about

Photo Courtesy || Floy Quintos

Cordillera - The inclusion of indigenous dances during the opening ceremony of the 30th SEA GAMES "serves as a reminder of good old Pinoy energy, and a reminder of the enduring nobility of our marginalized brothers and sisters and their current struggle for survival", says Floi Quintos, the creative director behind the dance.

Quintos shared on his Facebook page the motivation and inspiration that drove him to do and direct the spectacular performance. 

"One answer is that we saw the SEA GAMES Opening Ceremony as a chance to showcase aspects of our culture that many modern Filipinos know little about or take for granted, buried under our own divisive neglect and lack of concern," Quintos wrote. 

The series of "Power" dances called "Ugat ng Ating Lakas/The Roots of our Strength featured indigenous dances from the Bagobo, the Kalinga, the Maguindanao and the pre-hispanic Bisayans. 

"To my mind, these choices pay homage to the most marginalized and neglected of our Indigenous peoples: the Lumad of highland Mindanao, the Maranao and their great ruined city of Marawi, the Kalinga who fought for their ancestral lands," Quintos said. 

Thousands  Filipino and foreign spectators inside the world's biggest indoor stadium have witnessed the amazing display of pure talent and skills from Filipino performers.

WATCH VIDEO: Cordillera ethnic dance on stage at the SEA Games opening ceremony

"In the joyful, intentionally mis-matched costumes of a hundred hiphop dancers of all genders and body types. There will be no special effects, no fabulous, hitherto unseen technological stage wizardry. Just good old Pinoy energy, talent and joy. The very things we return to. The very qualities that enable us to survive," Quintos added.

Meanwhile the Office of the President congratulates the organizers, performers, volunteers, and everyone behind the spectacular event. 

"Once again, the Filipino nation rose to the challenge and exhibited before the world the cultural genius of the Filipino and the best of Filipino talent giving world-class performances of our singers and dancers with impressive stage design and production, including lighting ceremony, as well as the mesmerizing fireworks display," it the Office of the Spokesperson FB page reads.