Filipino American History Month culminates with , a music, dance, and song demonstration and workshops at and the . The Helobung events are free and open to the public.
Helobung is an artist collective from Mindanao¡¯s Indigenous Tboli community, Lake Sebu in Southern Philippines. Helobung means “endless joy,” a unique experience offered by this long-standing collective of Indigenous Tboli musicians, singers and dancers. In this rare opportunity for people in 51²è¹Ý to experience Indigenous arts from the Southern Philippines, the five artists will give a demonstration of their dances, music and songs, teach participants movements, and engage attendees in a discussion about Indigenous Tboli culture.
“All the elements come from our community and our environment,” said ensemble leader, artistic director and dancer Michael Yambok. “It¡¯s part of life. Dance and music are in our lives. When we perform, we don¡¯t change anything about ourselves. The movements and expressions, the rhythm and melody¡ªthat¡¯s who we are.”
Helobung event dates
- October 25, 1–3 p.m., Leeward CC Waiʻanae Moku Education Center
- October 26, 1–3 p.m., Leeward Theatre, Leeward CC
- October 27, 7:30 p.m., 51²è¹Ý ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹,
Helobung is sponsored by Center Stage, a public diplomacy program of the U.S. State Department. Oʻahu is the last leg of Helobung¡¯s tour of the U.S. with a primary focus on community engagement with Filipino Americans, the broader community and other Indigenous groups. The events at Leeward CC and 51²è¹Ý ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ are presented by Leeward CC¡¯s Filipino Studies, 51²è¹Ý ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Tau Dance Theatre and ILI Dances/ILI Performing Arts.
Leeward CC will also screen two films as part of Filipino American History Month.
- October 18—Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo
- October 25—Kun Maupay Man it Panahon
For more on the Leeward CC events email Desiree Quintero at desireeq@hawaii.edu.