Our History

THE KARILAGAN DANCE SOCIETY was founded by the late Dr. Remedios Borromeo in 1971. At its inception, the Society was consisted only of the Borromeo family. In 1982, the Society opened its membership to other young Filipino-Canadians who were born here or those who came in early childhood. Over the years, they performed throughout Edmonton, neighboring cities and towns. In 1986, they represented Edmonton in EXPO' 86 held at Vancouver, B.C. After so many years of dedicated work, the founder announced the end of the Karilagan during the 1989 performance because of her continuing health problem.

In 1989, a family-oriented group headed by Fred and Elmina Dimailig revived the Karilagan. With members, eight children and eight adults, the ailing founder collaborated another successful performance with her new group. The Karilagan under the directorship of Elmina continued the legacy started by Remy and her family. Since then, Karilagan performs during Heritage Days, Canada Day, Promenade, Klondike Days, at hospitals, extended care centres, schools, churches and many other fund-raising and cultural events.

In August, 1995, at the request of the Chair of the Filipino Pavilion, the Karilagan performed during the three day Heritage Festival. Since then, the Karilagan has been the primary entertainer for the Filipino Pavilion on Heritage Festival that draws an average of 300,000 people every year.

In May, 1995, the Karilagan honored and recognized the first Filipino pioneers who came to Alberta between 1961 and 1969 for their valuable contributions to their own communities and Alberta, as well as the Filipino Seniors. This event was in conjunction with the bi-centennial celebration of the City of Edmonton.

During its 25th anniversary celebration held in 1996, the Karilagan launched the first HIYAS (GEM) AWARD. This award recognizes the achievements of deserving Filipino-Canadians in the field of academics, education, science, arts, business, sports and community service. With continued support from the Ministry of Alberta Community Development, every year the Karilagan Dance Society grants this prestigious HIYAS (GEM) AWARD.

The most rewarding experience for the Karilagan was winning the "Best Pacific Rim Group" of the year award when they joined for the first time, the 1997 International Ethnic Dance Competition held in Surrey, B.C. Out of 12 entries, they took home four 1st prizes, three 2nd prizes and two 3rd prizes. They also received a trophy and gold certificate for Best Pacific Rim Group. In June, 1998 during the Philippine Independence Centennial Celebration, the Karilagan won the Katipunan Award for performing arts group category and the Artistic Director Elmina Dimailig won the individual performing arts category.

The Karilagan had brought its cultural production to the United States . In August, 2000, they performed in San Luis Obispo and San Francisco, California. In July, 2002, they performed in Los Osos, San Luis Obispo, Whittier and San Jose, California.

Also in July, 2002, the Karilagan performed at the Philippine Pavilion during the Klondike Days Exposition when the Philippines was the featured country. The Karilagan dancers also graced the Philippine entry of the Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations (C.E.F.A.) at the Klondike Days Parade, winning the "Best Entertainment" and First Prize in Non-profit Association - Cultural category.

In December, 2002, the Karilagan commenced its "Philippine Hiyas" community newspaper. It is published quarterly and is circulated free of charge.

In February, 2003, the Karilagan provided lessons in Filipino martial arts called Kali to its members through the instruction of a Filipino-Canadian martial art expert, Oliver Salvador.

In March, 2003, the Karilagan gave recognition to the first Filipino Pioneers who came to Alberta in 1972 and before. During this event held at the Mayfield Inn, a candle lit ceremony was performed by the very first Filipino teacher, nurse, engineer, medical technologist, band teacher, accountant, folk dancer, and the first Honorary Consul General.

In April, 2003, the Karilagan started another Filipino Christian tradition the " Pabasa " which was hosted by the Reyes family, our first "Hermana".

In July, 2003, the Karilagan together with the Kalinangan Dance Troupe of Montreal participated in cultural exchange workshops held in Montreal and Edmonton under the sponsorship of the Exchanges Canada . Having its own float, the Karilagan joined the Klondike Days Parade in Edmonton.

At the Miss International Canada 2003 beauty pageant held at Winspear Centre last July 2003, the Karilagan performed the opening number "Fairies in the Forest" and tribal dances with the Kalinangan Dance Troupe of Montreal.

In March, 2004, the Karilagan started Bandurya (a Filipino rondalla musical instrument) lessons conducted by our volunteer bandurista Mrs. Delia Reyes.

In April, 2004, during its 33rd anniversary presentation held at Mayfield Inn, the Karilagan dances were accompanied by live music via drum, agong, kulintang, rainmakers, bandurya and guitar.

In July, 2004, the Karilagan performed two shows in New York City , at the Philippine Consulate and Queen's Botanical Garden.

In August, 2004, the Karilagan performed the opening number entitled "A Child's Dream" portrayed by 5 year old Geline Cochingco at the Miss International Canada 2004 beauty pageant held at Winspear Centre.

In September, 2004, the Karilagan Choir was formed under the direction of Marcelino (Chino) V. dela Torre. Its first project was "Caroling for Bantaybata No. 163", a Manila-based charitable institution that helps less fortunate children in the Philippines.

In August, 2005, the Karilagan performed the opening number at the Miss International Canada 2005 beauty pageant held at Winspear Centre. Karilagan dancer Micaela Smith won the prestigious title, she represented Canada in the Miss International competition in Japan in October.

In September, 2005, the Karilagan fund raised for 3 year old Jasmine Salvador who was a victim of cancer. The money raised helped Jasmine to be treated in Mexico. She later died on January 19, 2006.

In April, 2006, Karilagan celebrated its 35th anniversary at the Mayfield Inn with a dinner, show and dances and also the 10th HIYAS (GEM) AWARD.

In May, 2006, Karilagan competed in the Annual Town Fiesta Song and Dance Competition in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Philippines and took home thirteen trophies with nine first prizes, three second prizes and one third prize.

On January 11, 2007, tragedy struck home. Karilagan's choir director and Adviser Marcelino (Chino) V. dela Torre passed away after a short battle with lung cancer, and on the celebration of his 40th day, on February 19, 2007, Cena B. Molo , a long time volunteer member also left us.

In March, 2007, Karilagan celebrated its 36th anniversary at the Coast Terrace Inn as a tribute to Chino and Cena . It also presented the 11th HIYAS (Gem) Award.

In April, 2008, Karilagan celebrated its 37th anniversary featuring the Ati-Atihan festival at the Coast Terrace Inn. It also presented the 12th Hiyas (Gem) Award .

In September, 2008, Karilagan was invited to attend the Bonok Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival in Surigao City where they learned the steps and had them joined the street dancing festival. Later in the evening during the awarding ceremony, Karilagan was their guest performer.

In March, 2009, Karilagan celebrated its 38th anniversary at the Palace Banquet with a dinner, show and dance showcasing Bonok-Bonok Festival. It also presented the 13th HIYAS (Gem) Award.

In May, 2009, Karilagan attended the 24th Canadian Expressive Heritage Conference in Toronto.

In August, 2009, Karilagan for the second time was part of the SEVEC Youth Exchanges Canada Program. They had an exchange with the Pamana Ng Luzviminda Dance Troupe of Montreal and experienced being part of the festival La Fete des Enfants de Montreal.

In October, 2009, Karilagan showcased its production in Yellowknife and Evansburg, Alberta.

In March, 2010, Karilagan joined the Barcelona Dance International Competition and took home three major prizes, Best Ethnic Dance Group, Best Costume and the Pedagogy Award.

In May, 2010, Karilagan performed in Carassaga Festival as part of the SEVEC Youth Exchanges Canada Program in Mississauga, Ontario. They twined with the Culture Philippines of Ontario dance group.

In March 2011, Karilagan celebrated its 40h anniversary at the Winspear Centre featuring Pagbabalik Tanaw or Reminiscing with the participation of Karilagan alumni.

In August 2011, Karilagan was featured in the front page of Edmonton Journal as they danced "Tinikling" during the Heritage Festival celebration

To date, the Karilagan has 93 performing members and 158 volunteer members.