When the Philippine Barangay Children's Dance Troupe Society was born in 1984, Bert David knew there was a long way to go before his dream becomes a reality. There was one thing he was certain of – he was not alone in this journey.

A Dream Was Born ... The Beginning

Many people shared his vision but it took a charming and energetic natural born leader to finally set this dream on track. The former Maria Jimenez (now Mrs. Graham Hicks) was the first instructor and choreographer of the group. Her winsome smile and charismatic energy was perfect for the 6 little girls who were to precede a long line of talented and impressive performers for Barangay. Always cheerful, Nanette, as she is fondly called, struck a chord with the young girls who quickly picked up the Filipino and Hawaiian dances that she taught. They began performing in schools, cultural events and social gatherings. Despite the increasing demands on her time, Nanette's dedication remained strong and unwavering. Many remember her lugging a baby carrier to Barangay practices and being available despite being under the weather. Her commitment was an inspiration to many and her pivotal role in the founding of Barangay is widely recognized and greatly appreciated.

The Dream Takes Off ... Growing in Leaps and Bounds

In 1987, the group of 6 girls who attended the original Sunday afternoon dance lessons back in 1984 had grown to 30 boys and girls ranging in age from 5 to 9 years old. Rachel Santiago, a professional dancer in the Philippines, joined Nanette in teaching and choreographing dances for Barangay. Honed by years of training and performing in the Philippines, Rachel introduced a wide range of dances that reflected the rich cultural diversity of the Philippines. She also introduced structure to Barangay, a development that the growing number of performers in Barangay needed. She implemented standards and protocols of performing that set the stage for the discipline in dance training that Barangay is now known for.

The Cultural and Competitive Scene ... Carving the Barangay Name

In 1993, another key figure in Barangay's history came on board. Bernadette Piojo joined Barangay initially to choreograph dances for the junior group but her dedication, creativity and leadership skills have led her role to evolve into more critical responsibilities, i.e. that of artistic director and president of the society. Her pursuit of quality performance and unparalleled artistry has catapulted Barangay to new heights. In 1997, she introduced Barangay to the competitive dance world. Barangay took its unique brand of performance at the Dance Power finals in Banff and struck gold. Since then, there was no looking back for this group of talented and dedicated performers as it established itself firmly as a force to contend with in the competitive arena. Under Bernadette's guidance, Barangay's pursuit of excellence continued, garnering the group a solid reputation in the cultural and competitive scene.

East Meets West ... Becoming One Heart

Emily Soriano joined the teaching team in 1995, fortifying the already talented pool of teachers and choreographers in Barangay. A seasoned and talented performer with the well-known Cultura Filipina in the Philippines, she pioneered the artistic concept of the true fusion between eastern and western cultural influences, introducing modern elements into traditional folkloric dances. She choreographed Barangay's signature dance, an intricate, three-dimensional version of "Tinikling" with moving bamboo poles and dancers in a breath-taking display of skill, agility and grace. She selflessly shared her unique ability to take traditional folk dances from the Philippines' mountain and southern provinces and infuse them with exciting and challenging contemporary dance moves. With her dedication, creativity and discipline, she elevated Barangay's quality of performance and bestowed the group a unique place in the performance arena.

The Dedicated Parents and Volunteers

Barangay's true success has not been possible without the support of all its volunteers, past and present. Its corps of dedicated parents has made all the difference in the world. Throughout its 20- year history, parents have manifested their commitment in a variety of ways. They drove their children to practices and performances, near or far, rain or shine, snow or sleet. The support of several former members, dedicated folks like Sen Hipolito, Cris Yumang, Jaime Canlas, Bert Toledo, Dave and Rusty Guanlao, Sim Gaspar, Ver Pigarowa and the late Rudy Robles laid the organization's foundation in its early years. Parents assisted in the construction and transporting of props. The design and tailoring of its elegant costumes were made possible by talented folks like the late Mommy Trining Reyes and the late Cora Yumang, and still-active members Rebecca Manuel and Vicki Hart. Some members have come and gone, but some long-time members have stayed on to ensure the groups' continued success -- the Ambrosios, Cruzes, Pigarowas, Manuels and Mellas. Special mention should be accorded to a number of dedicated mothers, who with their support of the teaching team, brought to fruition the original dream Bert David had 20 years ago. Linda Monera joined Barangay in 1991 and seeing the need for help in the choreography team, instantly made herself available as teacher to the young dancers of Barangay. Linda's resourcefulness and organization skills enabled Nanette to focus on the creative side of her role as head choreographer of the group. At about the same time, Cres Estioko joined the teaching team and offered her time and effort in helping teach the new dances to the growing number of performers. A public school teacher, she shared her skills and patience to impart the dance repertoire to the young performers.

The Dream Comes Full Circle ... Succession

The artistic and teaching team of Barangay now includes former dancers who are now sharing their skills and talent with the younger members of the group. Dianna David, one of the original dancers of the children's dance troupe became part of the teaching team in 1993. That same year, Cathy Yumang joined the team of choreographers. The succeeding years saw the trend continue. Precious Ambrosio and Zenavid Manuel joined the teaching team in 1999, lending support in teaching and choreographing folkloric dances. In 2000, Angel David and Allan Cruz joined the teaching team and with their influence, brought an increased focus on hip-hop in the dance curriculum. Their creativity, hard work and dedication had brought Barangay awards and accolades in hip-hop dance competitions. In 2001, Jodee Aguillon joined the artistic team, bringing with him his unique style and talent in folkloric and fusion dances. Today, Jodee Aguillon and Precious Ambrosio are joint directors of the Artistic Team. This is a milestone event in Barangay's history. Their transition into this leadership role is a fulfillment of the basic premise Barangay was founded upon. The children, who were the very purpose as to why Barangay was established in the first place, are now the new leaders of the organization. Aided by teaching assistants from Barangay's senior performers (i.e. Faye Cruz, Arianne Piojo, Lindsay Piojo, Marie Clare Pigarowa, Lani Robles, Rob Mella and PJ Palaypay), the current crop of teachers and choreographers bring with them the excitement, the spirit and essence of first generation Filipino-Canadians in Edmonton.

A Dream Fulfilled ... A Bright Future Secure

The Barangay of yesteryears, with only 6 young dancers, has now grown to 55 performers with ages ranging from 4 to 25. In 1997, with its varied repertoire and growing maturity as a performing group, its name and identity was appropriately changed to Philippine Barangay Performing Arts Society. It has made its mark in the cultural and competitive fields and continues to share its unique brand of performance with the Edmonton community.