Embassy of the Philippines, Washington DC 9/17/09 10:05 PM

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AWARD
The  Caucus  Chronicle
14 SEPTEMBER 2009 WASHINGTON DC – Praise and recognition continue to be heaped on Filipino dancer and
choreographer, with the world premiere of his work “The Mountain” receiving standing ovations at the Kennedy Center
and his performance in dance meriting recognition in the 9th Metro DC Dance Awards.
“The Mountain,” one of only two works specially commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
in Washington, D.C. drew standing ovations from the audience during its two-day performance recently.
Ignacio said, “The Mountain” draws from the rich and diverse folklore and mythology, synthesizing traditional and modern
dance forms with cutting-edge technology and “speaks to all about humanity’s continuing responsibility as nature’s
stewards.”
In “The Mountain,” Ignacio used Mt. Pinatubo and Smokey Mountain as metaphors for “a dance that is based on intimate
experiences in the Philippines yet carries a compelling global environmental message.”
“I wanted to show – through dance – nature’s power and humanity’s power to transform things for the better, for himself
and for his world. My being Filipino is evident in the imagery that I tried to paint with movement and I am hopeful that
people will respond to my message positively.
Before the performance, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa pointed out, “Smokey Mountain has
since been closed down and efforts to manage solid waste and to recycle are gaining ground in the Philippines –
through Government and through people’s movements.”

“Tonight, we are reminded anew of what we need to continue working on, if we are to live, to flourish and prosper as
one human family. As we experience the performance tonight, let us reaffirm and renew our pledge to do our part in the
preservation and protection of our environment,” added Ambassador Gaa.

“The Mountain,” played to full house audience at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.
A few days later, Ignacio won in the Outstanding Individual Performer Category at the At the 9th Metro DC Dance Award
Monday, also at the Kennedy Center. Ignacio tied with Delphina Parenti. Both Ignacio and Parenti are members of the
critically-acclaimed CityDance Ensemble, a professional contemporary dance company based in Washington, D.C.
"I offer this victory to God, my country and my countrymen. I am proud of my filipino heritage, I treasure my filipino
values and I am inspired to continue reaching for new artistic heights. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me -
my family, CityDance, my mentors, the Filipino community and the Embassy of the Philippines who have joined me in
my continuing journey of self discovery and awareness about our world," said Jason after receiving the award.
Ignacio said “It is important for me to speak to Filipinos and other youth in the world through dance and I am thankful for
the support that I have been so far receiving.”
During the awarding ceremonies, Ignacio noted the presence of Filipinos who came to support him and noticed too
several Asians seated beside him who told him, "We're here to see you!”
“It was such a nice feeling that I'm not only reaching to Filipinos but with other peoples and cultures as well,” explained
Ignacio.
In a statement, Ambassador Gaa congratulated Ignacio, saying, “Jason has traveled far with his art. He will travel even
further with his creativity and passion. And we will be more than happy to listen to what Jason has to say of his
journeys.”

“This is an achievement our people and country can be proud of and it is a testament to the artistry and grace of our
people, the creativity of our youth and the excellent training in our institution,” added Ambassador Gaa. END

 
 
 

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