70-Year-Old Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas Receives the Prestigious 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award

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70-Year-Old Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas Receives the Prestigious 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award
Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas: A Legacy of Igal Dance in Tawi-Tawi
At 70 years old, Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas has achieved a prestigious milestone in her enduring commitment to the arts, becoming a recipient of the 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan. This award, commonly regarded as the National Living Treasures Award, is conferred upon Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to conserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Delasas, a master of the traditional Sama dance known as the Igal, has been recognized for her exceptional skill and tireless efforts in safeguarding this unique aspect of Tawi-Tawi’s cultural identity.
Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas
Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas’s journey into the world of Igal started from a young age, inspired and educated by the practices of her community in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi . Her artistry encompasses not only the complex dance steps but also an intimate connection with the ancestral music and rhythms that are integral to the Igal. Delasas’s distinctive expertise in this traditional dance form is a testament to her deep understanding of and her dedication to the cultural traditions of the Sama people.

The conferment of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan marks a significant recognition of Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas’s role as a cultural bearer and serves as an inspiration to younger generations. The award not only celebrates her individual achievements but also affirms the importance of cultural preservation within the collective consciousness of the Bangsamoro and the broader Philippine society. Delasas’s honor is more than personal triumph; it is a beacon that highlights the enduring legacy and vitality of the Sama’s rich cultural expressions.
Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas photo via NCCA
Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas Profile
At the age of 70, Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas has earned prestigious recognition for her mastery in traditional dance, capturing the nation’s regard through her cultural heritage work.
Biographical Summary
Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas , hailing from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, has dedicated her life to the preservation of the Sama people’s traditional dance. Born into the rich cultural milieu of the Sulu Archipelago, she grew up imbued with the indigenous traditions and performing arts of her community. Her early engagement with dance led to a profound mastery of Igal , a traditional dance significant to the Sama culture.
Contributions to Culture
Her excellence and commitment as a master performer of Igal have been instrumental in keeping this vital aspect of Sama culture vibrant and visible. Delasas’ work extends beyond performance; she is an active proponent in the cultural education of her community. In 2023, Delasas was rightly honored as a “Manlilikha ng Bayan” , a National Folk Artist, by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who recognized her significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Filipino cultural heritage. Through her artistic journey, Delasas has become a revered figure, ensuring that the intricate movements and rhythms of Igal continue to inspire and educate future generations.
What is an Igal Dance?
The Igal dance, known as a traditional dance of the Sama people, is a vibrant expression of soul and spirit set to the enchanting rhythms of “tagunggu” music. Originating from the majestic Island of Sitangkai in the Southern Philippines, the Igal encapsulates the grace and agility of birds, serving as a vital aspect of the rich cultural heritage of the Bajau Laut communities. Among different groups, it is referred to as “pangalay” by the Tausug and “pamansak” by the Yakan, embodying a captivating blend of tradition and celebration in various cultural settings.
The beauty of Igal dance lies in its spontaneous and free-flowing movements. This allows dancers to express themselves individually and embody the music and rhythm with their own unique flair and creativity. Unlike other dance forms, Igal does not have a fixed choreography. Thus, each performance of Igal dance is a unique and personal expression of the dancer’s emotions and interpretation of the music. Dancers are encouraged to let go of inhibitions and immerse themselves in the music, letting their bodies move freely and authentically in response to the beats and melodies. Igal dance empowers dancers to connect with their inner emotions and showcase their personality and style through their movements. This fluidity and freedom in movement allow for a genuine and spontaneous connection between the dancer, the music, and the audience. As a result, Igal dance creates a mesmerizing and unforgettable performance that resonates with all who witness it.
2023 Gawad Sa Manlilikha Ng Bayan Award
Award Significance
The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan ( GAMABA ) is a national accolade that reflects the Philippine government’s recognition of the exceptional dedication artists exhibit towards preserving the nation’s intangible cultural heritage. It is a celebration of their living contributions and importance to Filipino identity and cultural legacy.
Selection Criteria
Candidates for the GAMABA are chosen based on their expert mastery, creativity, and innovativeness in their respective fields of traditional arts and folk culture. Nominees must have engaged in their craft for a significant period, thereby ensuring the transmission of cultural knowledge and skills to the next generation.
Impact of the Award
Earning the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award optimizes the recipient’s influence in their field, encouraging the safeguarding and promotion of traditional arts and practices. It grants cultural masters like Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas heightened visibility both within their communities and on a national scale, which often leads to increased support for cultural preservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or GAMABA award?
The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or GAMABA award is a prestigious recognition given in the Philippines. It honors master folk artists who have significantly contributed to the preservation of the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
Who were the recipients of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awards in 2023?
Among the recipients of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awards in 2023 was Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas. Delasas, a master performer of the Igal dance, was recognized for her commitment to preserving the traditional dance form of the Sama people.
Can you explain the selection process for the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees?
The selection process for the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees involves a thorough evaluation by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Nominations are received from local communities, after which a panel of experts conducts field validation before the final deliberation.
What is the significance of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award for Filipino culture?
The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award is of high cultural significance as it recognizes the role of traditional artists in the preservation and promotion of the Philippines’ rich and diverse cultural heritage. It ensures that traditional arts and crafts continue to flourish and remain relevant.
How has the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award evolved since its inception?
Since its inception, the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award has evolved to accommodate a broader range of traditional arts. The award acknowledges the dynamic nature of culture and encourages the continuous transmission of traditional skills.
What kind of recognition or support do the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees receive?
Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees receive national recognition that highlights their work and contributions. They are granted benefits that can include financial support, coverage for a medical and hospitalization plan, and a place in cultural programs to promote their art.
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70-Year-Old Hadja Sakinur-Ain Delasas Receives the Prestigious 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog