Folk dancing is an integral part of Filipino culture. As early as elementary school age, children are taught various dances, including pandanggo sa ilaw (dance of lights), cariñosa (Spanish word for affectionate), sayaw sa bangko (dance on the bench), and, of course, tinikling, a traditional Filipino dance where at least two people beat, tap, and slide bamboo poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers, who step over and in between the poles.

Founded in July of 2015, the Tinikling Group of Migrants celebrated their 10th anniversary this year, and tinikling is but one of their many dances in their impressive repertoire. Their founder and choreographer, Maria Rosario M. Velarde, well-known by her peers as Marie, shares, “We started the group as a way to bond with other kababayans (fellow Filipinos) and to share Filipino culture with the rest of Hong Kong.”

“Kapag Sunday, nagprapractice kami malapit sa pier sa Central. Hindi lang para sa sayaw, pero para din sa bonding at pagsasama saman a parang pamilya,” [We practice by the piers in Central on Sundays. Not only to practice dancing, but also to bond and spend time together like a family] says Marie. 

Hailing from Ilagan, Isabela, often referred to as the “Corn Capital of the Philippines” and the home of the famous Filipino dessert, binallay (glutinous rice flour combined with water, mixed into a smooth batter, wrapped in a banana leaf and served with a coconut cream and coconut sugar syrup), Marie has long been a strong proponent of Filipino culture. 

The Tinikling Group of Migrants has performed in numerous events around Hong Kong, including the annual Hong Kong Flower Show at Victoria Park, school presentations, ethnic minority showcases and events hosted by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), amongst many others. 

Sometimes they have their costumes and props subsidised, but oftentimes, > they have had to ask for funding. “Kami ang gumagawa ng sarili naming mga costume. Kahit busy, nagagawan ko na din ng paraan,” [We make our own costumes. Even though we are very busy, I still try to find time] says Marie, who is also a talented seamstress herself.

The group currently has over 20 members and is always on the lookout for more dancers. “Welcome ang lahat sumali sa amin, lalaki man o babae. Walang namang age limit basta hilig ang pagsayaw at hindi naman kailangan ng may dancing experience. Kung parehong kaliwa ang paa, susubukan nating gawing kanan yung isa!” [Everyone is welcome to join us, men or women. There is no age limit as long as the passion is there for dancing, and experience is not needed. If you have two left feet, we will try our best to make one right!] laughs Marie.

Aside from being the founder of Tinikling Group of Migrants, Marie is also the chairwoman of Ilagan City Migrants Alliance HK, and club president of the Solid Grand Ilocandia Matatag Lady Eagles Club. “Tumutulong din ako sa mga kababayan natin sa Filipino community dito sa Hong Kong, volunteer ako sa Philippine Consulate kada Linggo,” [I also help fellow Filipinos here in our community in Hong Kong, I volunteer at the Philippine Consulate every Sunday] she adds.

So, if you have an interest in Philippine folk dance and want to learn, the Tinikling Group of Migrants will welcome you with open arms. “Dapat i-share natin ang talent natin. Gamitin ang ating day-off sa mga bagay na masaya at makabuluhan. Hindi lang tayo basta trabaho lang dito sa Hong Kong, dapat maranasan din nating maging star sa stage!” [We should share our talent. Use our days off doing fun and meaningful things. We shouldn’t just spend all our time working here in Hong Kong, we should also experience being a star on stage!] Marie concludes warmly.