By Christian Cunanan
ANAHAW is here! Born from the long-cherished dream of its founder and president, Maria Lourdes (Malou) Capacio-Imus, the ANAHAW Filipino Canadian Performing Arts Society celebrated its grand launch and Induction of Officers last Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Royal Palace Banquet Hall in Burnaby.
ANAHAW is a cultural dance group uniting long-time residents and newcomers from across Greater Vancouver, brought together by their love of Filipino dance and heritage. Its mission is to preserve and share Filipino cultural traditions through dance while building a vibrant, inclusive community.
The evening began with a dazzling production featuring three powerful performances: Bagani, an interpretative dance honoring ancient and modern-day heroes; Una Kuntaw, a tribute to the lumad (indigenous peoples) and their resilience; and the playful Itik-Itik, performed by ANAHAW’s youth dancers to the delight of the audience.
Founder Malou Capacio-Imus delivered heartfelt welcome remarks, followed by an inspirational message from Paul Vincent Uy of the Philippine Consulate General of Vancouver. Sammie Jo Rumbaua, community leader and King Charles III Medal recipient, officiated the induction of officers, including Vice Chair Nympha Frias, Secretary Teresita Mejia, Treasurer Marilou Estrada, and other dedicated committee members.
More dance performances followed: the debut performance of “Karatong” which originated in Southern Palawan and is named after the bamboo sticks which men tied to their waist to tap to the rhythm of the music. The women carried the spectacular and colourful “bunga mangga” symbolizing the blossoming of the mango trees. After that came a lively Latin number from the “Spy’s girls “ of Anahaw and the modern “Piliin Mo an Pilipinas”, the group’s signature dance. All these numbers were the result of weeks of non-stop practice, no mean feat since all the group members are working full-time.
Following a sumptuous dinner, more inspirational messages were given by community leaders — including James Mark Villamayor, Genaro (Bhoy) Tambogan, Lester de Guzman, Letty Briones, Doris Alegria Soy, and Christian Cunanan – rounded out the night, capped by a joyous community dance.
With weekly performances since July and upcoming dance workshops this October, ANAHAW is quickly becoming a cornerstone of Filipino cultural life in BC — proving their motto true: “Dance with your heart and your feet will follow.”
(Article credit – Cynthia Hortelano and photo credit – Khim Hipol of Mabuhay house photographer)
ReyFort Media 
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