Waraynon Talents

Waraynons have had their share of talents that have gained fame and accolades beyond the San Juanico Bridge. Some have gained national prominence such as Boy Abunda, a famous television personality who hails from the island of Samar. What I like most about him is his penchant in acknowledging his humble beginnings. He always emphasizes that the prosperity he now enjoys is the fruit of his labor and perserverance to rise above his circumstances. He is also known to accept and grace gatherings of Leytenos and Samarenons in Manila which has endeared him even more to his fellow"waraynons".

Another name that comes to mind is the Kalipayan Dance Troupe, a dance company that has mesmerized audiences worldwide. "The Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company is one of the best folkloric dance troupes in the Philippines today and has been performing since 1961 in the local as well as international scene. Its repertoire consists of Philippine traditional dances and music showing a kaleidoscope of Philippine culture through the performing arts.", so goes the primer of its history as stated in its site and I couldn't agree with it more having witnessed the dance company in action during local festivals. Grace and fluidity of movements are the earmarks of the troupe's performances and their colorful costumes representative of the country's culture serve as the perfect backdrop. But the Kalipayan cannot be where it is now were it now for the grit and determination of its mentor and founder, Ms. Pil, who has institutionalized the rigid training that has produced dancers and alumni who have gone on to be successful in their respective fields (for more on their members, visit their website click here).

Likewise, slowly making a name in local literary circles is Voltaire Oyzon whose book of poems, "An Maupay ha Mga Waray" (for reviews on this tome, click here). Hopefully, it could help stem the slow death (as what one reviewer has said) of Waraynon literature.

On a more personal note, I would like to mention a good friend, who has discovered a calling quite late in life (no, he's just in his early thirties). We would never have thought of David pursuing this profession when we were in college, but then life indeed is full of surprises. If you would like to immortalize your precious moments then the man to call is him. His photograpy has earned him many a satisfied clients. See more of his works click here and judge for yourself.

Waray means "nothing" in the local dialect, but definitely that does not apply when it comes to talents here in the waray-waray region. Goes without saying, the world do owe us our place in the sun.