PASACAT
About PASACAT
PASACAT begin in 1970 as the Philippine American Society and Cultural Arts Troupe. PASACAT’s vibrant artistry garnered rave reviews from dance critics making Philippine culture visible in the arts community. The community suport bought them the PASACAT Center in National City where hundreds of dancers have discovered their Filipino identity.
The Philippine American Cultural Troupe. Its founding members were organizers of the 1969 Philippine Fiesta tribute to San Diego’s 200th Anniversary. It was the catalyst that what would become PASACAT. Their goal was to build a Philippine cultural center. Their dream was realized through efforts of the Mrs. Philippines Contest held from 1971 to 1983 to purchase and payoff their building located at 102 E 16th Street.
L-R Bottom:Ely Aguilar, Antonia & Narcisco Ricasa, Paz Uro, Delfin & Purisima Labao, Sandra Adona, 2nd row: Domingo Ricasa, Albert Sales, Romy Rayos; Top row: Anacleto Nanquil, Benardo Monzon, Gabriel Adona
PASACAT began performing for the House of the Philippines Lawn Program in June in 1970, celebrating Philippine Independence from Spain. PASACAT dancers in Sakuting >a dance performed during the Christmas season.
PASACAT performs at the Holiday Festival at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, December, 1992.
San Diego Union November 18, 1970
At a time when there was much news on Filipino gangs, Margaret Magat, an intern wanted to write something positive about Filipnos and submitted this article to the San Diego Tribune, September 18, 1990
PASACAT was in the first 1992 Nations of San Diego Dance Festival San Diego Dance Alliance.
PASACAT is featured in the San Diego Union Tribune January 7, 2005.
Berna Elizaga poses in Singkil as PASACAT President, Paz Uro looks on with representative from the Klee Wyk Society of what was then the Museum of Man now The Museum of Us.
PASACAT is featured in the San Diego Union Tribune January 7, 2005.
Since 1975, the Extravaganza Concert has been the main production of PASACAT garnering rave reviews from San Diego Union Tribune Dance Critics. A cast of 35 dancers and musicians undergo a grueling rehearsal schedule for a 90-minute concert held biennially. New repertoire is introduced as they stage new works from the field making the Extravaganza the pinnacle of PASACAT’s identity & artistry.
The Junior PASACAT program was born in 1983 under the leadership of Cindy Macatantan, Kenneth Estigoy, and Uncle Bob Tuminting. Some 18 dancers performed at the first Junior PASACAT Folk Dance Festival in April, 1984 at the newly opened Educational Cultural Complex Theater.
The next Junior PASACAT Dance Concert was held in 1989 under the direction of Joji Ramirez Castro of Chula Vista.
PASACAT Graces - Super Bowl XXXII
1998 marked the Philippine Centennial – a great milestone in Philippine history and for many involved Filipinos, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company, they have a double dose of once-in-a-lifetime experiences as participants of the Super Bowl XXXII pre-game show on January 25, 1998 at Qualcomm Stadium.
“PASACAT is the first Philippine dance group to share the Philippine culture before an audience of 68,000 and perform for Super Bowl festivities” an exhilarated Joji Ramirez-Castro proclaims. PASACAT proudly represented Filipino’s in a tribute to California’s diverse ethnic population. Forty-two PASACAT dancers performed a collage of dances from Mindanao to live musical presentations by Grammy Award winning artists, the Fifth Dimension and Lee Greenwood who sangProud to Be American.
An overwhelmed Michelle Alvarez, 17, a Senior student at Marian High School, was mesmerized by the attendance, “I forgot where I was dancing after seeing the cheering crowd.”
James Jabinal, 18, a PASACAT veteran of 4 years, just returned from Marine boot camp training. During his leave, he joined PASACAT and found himself star-struck by alternative rock star Jewell.
Actor, John Stamos, of Full House fame, performed with the Beach Boys and drew screaming teens who called out “hi Uncle Jesse!” Joyelle Cabato, 18, managed to obtain his autograph and with a gleam in her eyes said, “he was so friendly and handsome!”
Each participant received a complimentary pass to the NFL Experience, a pre-game sweatshirt and a Super Bowl XXXII cap. But more than the tangible items, the participants walked away with the memory of being a part of Super Bowl XXXII and in 1998, will provide them with two “once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
The Bayanihan National Philippine Dance Company celebrated their 45th Anniversary in 2002. Because of Joji Ramirez Castro’s strong ties to Bayanihan, PASACAT was invited to perform with them at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila. It was a seamless performance and the Bayanihan alumni were impressed by PASACAT’s artistry, skill and precision.
During the tour, eighteen dancers were transported in the Bayanihan van. They had the privilege of given workshops by Bayanihan and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group.
PASACAT’s first Parol Festival was held in 1997 at Bethune Elementary School in North Bay Terraces. It has since been held every December at St. Rita’s School Auditorium, Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and the Mingei Museum.
Ambassador of the Philippines.
His Excellency Jose L. Cuisia graces the 2011 Parol Festival.
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