Featured above are members of the Bailes de Jose Troupe which was "retired" for the second time a few years ago under the direction of Jose Bulatao, Jr. The group has now re-emerged as the Kasibulan Dance Company under the direction of Allan Villafor. Some of the members in the photo above started as pre-teens and teenagers with Mr. Bulatao in the mid-sixties several decades ago!
To the immediate right of this text is a contingent of dancers from the early years of the Bailes de Jose Troupe dancing a version of "Itik-Itik", the dance of playful ducks. Note the mini-skirts that were the fashion rage of that era!
These dancers were part of a presentation of numbers which were featured on Faustino Respecio's "Fiesta Filipina" TV series that was a state-wide showcase of Filipino culture for several decades. The Bailes de Jose Troupe members perform "Estudiantilna" garbed in their beautiful Maria Claras complemented with matching parasols in pairs of red, blue, green, yellow, and purple.
A favorite suite of dances was that which allowed the young ladies to dress up in the finery of the Maria Clara costumes that were always stunningly beautiful. The men were the traditional barong tagalog shirts which made them look dashing and debonair! While some of the costumes were special ordered from the Philippines, many of the costumes were fashioned right here on Kauai under the direction of Guadalupe Bulatao, who was acclaimed to be "Kauai's First Lady of Fasion.
Members of the Bailes de Jose Troupe strike a pose as an ensemble. These were students primarily from Waimea High School who made a commitment to become exponents of Filipino folk dances. This group was sponsored by the State Foundation of Culture and the Arts to travel statewide two years in succession. The Troupe also traveled to California to perform in various cities. A documentary film entitled "Dance Trip" was also made of this phenomenal group of young ladies and gentlemen.
Some Old Photographs of Kauai Filipinos.
The Kauai Filipino Centennial Souvenir Booklet,
a once-in-a-lifetime edition to commemorate
the history, heritage, achievements, accomplishments and milestones
of the Filipinos of Kauai!
Application for the Souvenir Booklet. Fill in your information and send it in as soon as possible to the Souvenir Booklet committee. Click here: Centennial Awards Nomination Form
From the suite of dances reflective of the tribal dances from the northern island of Luzon, the dancers strike a pose for the cameras.
Picture Gallery
Thanks to all who have submitted their pictures to our gallery. If you have pictures to share or have questions please contact or send photos to Webmaster. Mabuhay.
Kaua'i is a unique island community.
The Kauai Filipino Centennial Committee was formed to preserve that special "uniqueness" about our island's Filipinos in exploring aspects of the theme, "One Hundred Years and Beyond." For us on Kaua'i, it speaks of the history and the heritage threaded with the accomplishments and achievements of the Filipinos of Kaua'i woven into the tapestry of Hawaii, the "Crossroads of the Pacific." As we reflect and remember and as we anticipate what is yet to come, we welcome you to join us in this journey that takes us to pathways that lead to our past, our present and our future.
Mabuhay and maraming salamat po!
Created Feb 2006 Kauai Filipino Centennial Copyright 2006 ã
Kauai Filipino Centennial
Oscar Portugal - Kauai Community Liaison
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