Yugto: Dahil Sa Yo

Presented by the API Cultural Center and Bindlestiff Studio, YUGTO is a series of short dance films directed by Kim Requesto that highlight different regional dance experiences of the Philippines and use movement and storytelling to deconstruct our understanding of Filipino folk dance.

Dahil Sa Yo reimagines our understanding of Pangalay – a stately pre-colonial dance that embodies the flowing currents of the Sulu Sea – by interweaving the dance form with a popular Philippine love song, as well as showcasing locations that have meaning to Kim’s life as an immigrant.

When developing Kim’s outfit, we wanted to embody the essence of traditional Ta’u Sug regalia with a contemporary interpretation. This included layers of bangles, pearls, and rings inspired by the luminous adornment of Ta’u Sug women, and flowing pants to match the silhouette of the Ta’u Sug sawwal. It was important for us to show that culture constantly evolves and adapts, and that a lot of these traditional dances are still alive and performed in a community space with people just wearing regular clothes as part of everyday life.

The project pairs these traditional and contemporary interpretations in hopes of bridging our collective appreciation for Philippine art forms with the authentic experiences of diasporic Pilipinxs.

Styling: Stephanie Gancayco
Photography: Ralph C.R.
Hair: Sunny Chea
Makeup: Alex Olay