AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS | Karilagan Dance Society

Awards, Recognitions, Achievements, and Acknowledgments

2024

Received a certificate of appreciation from Mabuhay International Festival held on June 22, 2024 at the Millwoods Town Center.

Received a certificate of appreciation from MP Nathan Ip for performing at the 126th Philippine Independence Day Celebration and the launching of book "Magdaragat" at the Queen Elizabeth Building Legislature Grounds on June 15, 2024.

Celebrated its 53rd anniversary featuring "The Beautiful Wonders of Luzviminda" at Clarion Hotel & Conference Center last April 20, 2024. It also presented the 26th Hiyas(Gem) Award recipients.

2023

Celebrated its 52nd anniversary entitled "Pagdiwata" at Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre last June 3,2023. It also presented the 25th Hiyas(Gem) Award recipients.

Participated in the 2023 Honolulu Festival last March 10-12, 2023. Received a certificate of appreciation from the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines Honolulu.

2022

Celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 19, 2022 at The Royal Palace. Received a recognition certificate from the office of the Mayor presented by Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. The president, artistic director and choreographer Elmina Cochingco also received a certificate of recognition for her 33 years of leading the Karilagan.

2020

Celebrated its 49th year of Philippine folk dancing entitled "Samot-Sari - Pinoy Diversity" at Radisson Hotel Edmonton South.

2019

Competed in Dance Grand Prix Italia Competition held at Cesenatico, Italy and took home 2 grand prizes, Best Ethnic Dance Group and the Pedagogy Award.

Celebrated its 48th year of Philippine Folk Dancing entitled "Piliin Ang Pilipinas - Choose Philippines" at Radisson Hotel Edmonton South.

2018

Competed in 2018 World Dance Competition held at Disneyworld, Florida and took home 3 silver medals.

Participated dancing in the Disneyworld Parade

Celebrated its 47th year of Philippine folk dancing entitled "Mga Sayaw Pinoy" at Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre.

2017

Returned to the stage of Philippine Pavilion at the annual Heritage Festival and was awarded Honorable Mention for Entertainment.

Celebrated its 46 years of Philippine folk Dancing at Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre featuring "Pinagmulan" as a Tribute to Wilf Ladores.

2016

Celebrated its 45 years of Philippine Folk Dancing at Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre

2015

Celebrated its 44th year of Philippine Folk Dancing entitled "Lupa Ng Kayamanan" at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre

Competed in the 12th Annual Las Vegas World Folk Festival and won the "Best Group", the top overall award.

2014

> Participated in the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo during the Sponsor's Mardi Gras competition and won "Best Costume"

> Performed relief operation to our kababayans who were victims of typhoon "Yolanda"in Sara, Iloilo

2013

> Awarded Second Place in Entertainment by the Edmonton Heritage Festival Association for the Philippine Pavilion during the Heritage Festival
celebration.
> Featured on CTV Morning Live as part of their special program "Holiday After Haiyan", a fund raising for the victims of typhoon "Yolanda". An
interview with Ronalyn de Mesa was followed by the dance "Binasuan" and carol singing of the Karilagan choir.

2012

> Competed in the Azalea International Folk Fair of Valdosta, Georgia, took home three prizes....1st prize - youth division, Judges' Choice Award -
Adult Division (small group) and 4th prize- Adult Division, Large Group.
> Performed during the Pacific National Exhibition in British Columbia, part of the SEVEC Youth Exchanges Canada Program.
> Awarded "Honorable Mention for Entertainment by the Edmonton Heritage Festival Association for the Philippine Pavilion during the Heritage
Festival celebration.

2011

> Celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Winspear Centre featuring "Pagbabalik Tanaw"

2010

> Competed in the Barcelona Dance International Competition and took home three major prizes, Best Ethnic Dance Group, Best Costume and the
Pedagogy Award.
> Performed during the Carassaga Festival in Mississauga, Ontario as part of the SEVEC Youth Exchange Program.
> Featured by Shaw Television in a Christmas special choreographed by Elmina entitled "Christmas in the Philippines" aired for the whole month of
December
Showcased Muslim dances in Canmore, Alberta

2009

> Performed In Montreal during the festival "Le Fete des Enfants de Montreal"

> Some members of Karilagan attended the 24th Canadian Expressive Heritage Conference in Toronto.

> Showcased its production in Yellowknife and Evansburg, Alberta.
Performed for the fund raising for Gawad Kalinga

2008

> Performed during the Bonok Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival in Surigao City, Philippines

2007

Received Certificate of Appreciation from the Chinese New Year's Festival for their participation
Karilagan dancer Angelina Cochingco featured in the Edmonton Sun dancing "Binasuan" during the Heritage Festival celebration
Featured in the 2007 Heritage Festival booklet in the Filipino Pavilion article
Featured in the Edmonton Journal and ITV news when they helped in promoting the Edmonton Food Bank during the Heritage Festival celebration
Dancers Lawrence Bonda and Tim Ira featured in Edmonton Journal while enjoying elephant ears during the Heritage Festival celebration
Dancers Nathania Bernabe and Rodney Cornel featured in the Edmonton Journal while performing "Paunjalay" during the Heritage Festival celebration
Dancer Samantha Larkin featured in the 2007 calendar distributed by Catholic Charities Catholic Social Services Sign of Hope Society
Dancer Nathania Bernabe featured in the cover of the Wildrose Times April 2007 issue
Karilagan Dance Society 36th anniversary celebration was featured in the Wildrose Times April 2007 issue

2006

Dancer Khaya Malbog-Tan in Igorot costume featured in the Edmonton Journal during the Heritage Festival celebration
Dancers Nathania Bernabe and Rodney Cornel featured in the Edmonton Journal while performing "Paunjalay" during the Heritage Festival celebration
Featured in MLA's diary - Edmonton Meadowlark when they performed for the Philippine Connection
Featured in the 2006 Heritage Festival booklet in the Filipino Pavilion article
Dancers Joey Tobias and Khaya Malbog-Tan featured in the Edmonton Journal during the Heritage Festival celebration
Featured in the Sturgeon Creek Post of Fort Saskatchewan when they performed for Canada Day celebration in Fort Saskatchewan
Competed in the 2006 Annual Talavera Town Fiesta Song and Dance Competition held in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Philippines:

First place - Folk Dance - Group - Senior Category (Bumayah)
First place - Folk Dance - Group - Junior Category (Wasiwas)
Second place - Folk Dance - Group - Senior Category (Maglalatik)
Third place - Folk Dance - Group - Senior Category (Fast Tinikling)
First place - Folk Dance - Junior Category - Solo - Danielle Yu (Binasuan)
Second place - Folk Dance - Duo - Senior Category - Kirsten Yu and Lawrence Bonda
First place - Singing - Junior Category - Solo - Danielle Yu
First place - Singing - Senior Category - Solo - Kirsten Yu
First place - Singing - Bulilit Category - Duet - Geline Cochingco & Jasmin Viray-Hebrada
First place - Singing - Duet - Kirsten and Danielle Yu

Karilagan's 35th anniversary celebration featured in the cover of the Filipino Sentinel April issue
Received Certificate of Appreciation from Tina Monzon-Palma, Program Director of Bantay Bata No. 163 in the Philippines when Karilagan presented their donation raised from singing carols thru the initiative of Karilagan Musical Director Chino V. dela Torre
Received Certificate of Appreciation from the Chinese New Year's Festival for their participation
Received Certificate of Appreciation from Alberta Centennial Committee for their participation in the Miss International Canada 2005 Beauty Pageant held at Winspear Centre
Received Certificate of Appreciation from the Edmonton Food Bank for being a part of their Shawcable TV promotion

2005

Dancers Nathania Bernabe and Rodney Cornel featured in the Edmonton Journal while performing "Paunjalay" during the Heritage Festival celebration.
Dancer Kayla Domingo featured in the Edmonton Journal while performing at the Filipino Pavilion during the Heritage Festival celebration
Dancer Kasaray Malbog-Sasorith featured in the Edmonton Journal while dancing "Banga" during the 107th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Independence held at the city hall
Featured in the Filipino Sentinel August issue while performing for the Heritage Festival
Featured in the Philippine Asian Chronicle when they participated in the Gawad Kalinga Mayflower Festival
Received Award of Merit from the Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations (C.E.F.A.) for its valuable contributions toward the enhancement, unification and adding values to the quality of life among Filipino-Canadians in Alberta.
Karilagan 35th anniversary presentation entitled "Sa Kabukiran" was featured in the Alberta Centennial website
Received Certificate of Recognition from the Edmonton City Council for presenting their 35th anniversary celebration at the Mayfield Inn
Received Certificate of Appreciation from the Chinese New Year's Festival for their participation
Performed the opening number at the Miss International Canada 2005 beauty pageant held at the Winspear Centre. Karilagan dancer Micaela Smith won the prestigious title and represented Canada in the Miss International competition in Japan.
Fund raised for 3 year old Jasmine Salvador who was a victim of cancer, the money raised helped Jasmin to be treated in Mexico. She later died on January 19, 2006.

2004

> Performed two shows in New York City, at the Philippine Consulate and Queen's Botanical Garden.

> Karilagan choir was formed under the direction of Marcelino (Chino) V. dela Torre. Its first project was "Caroling for Bantay Bata No. 163", a Manila
based charitable institution that helps less fortunate children in the Philippines.

> Performed the opening number entitled "A Child's Dream" portrayed by 5 year old Geline Cochingco and singer Kirsten Yu at the Miss International
Canada 2004 beauty pageant held at Winspear Centre.

Received Certificate of Appreciation from Community Forum held at Norquest College for providing entertainment
Received Certificate of Participation from Southeast Asian Festival held at the West Edmonton Mall
Received Certificate of Recognition from the office of the Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel for their participation in the city's Centennial celebration when they performed for the Miss International Canada 2004 held at the Winspear Centre
Received Certificate of Recognition from the office of the Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel for their participation in the city's Centennial celebration by presenting their 34th anniversary celebration at the Mayfield Inn

2003

Received Certificate of Participation from Edmonton's Klondike Day Parade 2003.
During its 32nd anniversary celebration, Karilagan recognized the first Filipino pioneers who came to Alberta in 1972 and before. During this event held at 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.

> Participated in cultural exchange workshops with the Kalinangan Dance Troupe in Montreal through Exchanges Canada.

> Performed the opening number "Fairies in the Forest" during the Miss International Canada 2003 beauty pageant held at the Winspear Centre in
Edmonton.

2002

Received Service Award from the Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations (C.E.F.A.) for performing at the Philippine Pavilion for more than 5 years.
Performed for the Philippine entry at the Klondike Days parade and won the "Best Entertainment" with a winning prize of $1,500 and a trophy.
Received Certificate of Recognition from Mabuhay Pilipinas 2002 for volunteering at the Klondike Days featuring Philippines.
In December, 2002, Karilagan commenced its "Philippine Hiyas" community newspaper, published quarterly and is circulated free of charge.

> Performed in Los Osos, San Luis Obispo, Whittier and San Jose, California.

2001

Received Certificate of Appreciation from C.E.F.A. for their years of volunteering during the Heritage Festival.
Received Service Award from the Philippine Consulate Office for their 30 years of volunteering.
Received Certificate of Appreciation from the Canadian Filipino Professional, Trade and Business Association for their performance during the 2001 Miss Teen Philippines and Binibining Pilipinas of the World.

2000

Featured in TEN BEST of the Edmonton Journal.
Received Certificate of Appreciation from Pilipino Cultural Group Exchange when they performed in San Luis Obispo and San Francisco, California USA.

1999

Featured in Videotron Community Programming "Philippine Focus".
Received Certificate of Appreciation from the Embassy of the Philippines for their active participation in the fund raising to assist flood victims in the Philippines.

1998

Featured in TEN BEST of the Edmonton Journal.
Won the "Katipunan Award" in the groups performing arts category during the Philippine Independence Centennial Celebration.
Received Certificate of Appreciation from the Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations for their active participation in the Philippine Centennial Movement.
Photographed by Edmonton Journal during the Philippine Centennial Celebration at Hawrelak Park.
Received Certificate of Appreciation from the Embassy of the Philippines for their active participation in the Philippine Centennial Movement.
Featured in Videotron community programming "Philippine Focus".

1997

Competed in the 1997 International Ethnic Dance Competition held in Surrey, B.C. against 11 ethnic groups from New Zealand, Tonga, Cook Islands, Samoa and Philippines.

Best Pacific Rim Group of the Year
Best Duo/Trio of the Year - Junior Division
4th Best Polynesian/Pacific Rim Dance Group of the Year
First prize - group category - Teen Class
First prize - Duo Category - Junior Division
First prize - Trio Category - Senior Division
First prize - Group Category - Primary Class
Second Prize - Duo Category - Junior Division
Second prize - Group Category - Adult Class
Second Prize - Solo - Pacific Rim Dance - Teen Class
Third Prize - Duo Category - Junior Division
Third prize - Group category - Adult Class
Received Certificate of Recognition from Lansdowne Park Shopping Center in B.C.
1997 Top Pacific Rim Group of the Year
1997 Top Pacific Duo/Trio of the Year
1997 Top Dance Studio - Fourth Place

Featured in TEN BEST of the Edmonton Journal.
One of the many faces featured in Edmonton Journal during the Klondike Parade

1996

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.
Awarded the Most Symbolic Float and Biggest Participation Awardin Philippines Independence Celebration, June 1996 Edmonton, Alberta.
Members of the Karilagan Dance Society featured in the "Heritage Postcard"
Karilagan was nominated for the 1996 Laurel Awards
Shaw Cable TV featured the Karilagan shows throughout the year.
Received Certificate of Appreciation from Capital Care Lynwood.

1995

> In August, 1995, at the request of the chair of the Philippine Pavilion, Karilagan performed during the three day "Heritage Festival" annually held at the William Hawrelak Park. Since then, Karilagan has been the primary entertainer for the Filipino Pavilion on Heritage Festival.
> In conjunction with the bi-centennial celebration of the City of Edmonton, 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. It was held
during the 24th Anniversary Celebration of the Karilagan Dance Society.

1994

Shaw Cable TV featured the Karilagan shows throughout the year.
Featured in Edmonton Journal performing during Klondike Promenade.

1993

Shaw Cable TV featured the Karilagan shows throughout the year.

1990

Shaw Cable TV featured the Karilagan shows throughout the year.

1989

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

1986

Represented Edmonton in "EXPO 86" in Vancouver, B.C.

Karilagan was presented a copy of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom by the Department of the Secretary of State of Canada.

Featured in CFRN TV the Christian mass (MISA NG BAYAN) with the Karilagan performances as a part of the mass held at St. Charles Catholic Church.