Iloilo Prima Galaw, Inc., (IPG) an emerging performing arts group composed of young professionals and Paulinian alumni founded last May 2008 by stage director and choreographer Romie John Delariarte, was awarded the National Winner of the 7th Search for the TEN ACCOMPLISHED YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS (TAYO) last Oct. 24-27, 2009 at the SEAMEO Innotech, Quezon City. To make the excitement come full circle, the group was also given the TELETECH Special Award for Excellence in Youth Development and Education.
Ma. Krizia Ledesma, IPG’s representative and a Paulinian Nurse, presented the winning entry, PROJECT DREAM to the panel of judges composed of TAYO President Bam Aquino, Undersecretary of the National Youth Commission Richie Nalupta, Coca-Cola Foundation President Cecile Alcantara, DSWD Director Violeta Cruz, First TAYO Awards Winner John Piermont Montilla, Executive Director of Batobalani Foundation Ching Jorge, Philippine Star Columnist J. Vincent Sarabia Ong, Managing Director of Intelligent Skin Care, Inc. Cristalle Belo Henares, Backroom Entertainment President and TV Host Boy Abunda and TAYO Founder Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.
IPG’s PROJECT DREAM aims to promote the culture and the arts to the Ilonggo audience and the youth group’s beneficiaries through annual play productions, free creative workshops for the orphans of the Dominican Girls’ Home and the children of the Calahunan Dumpsite, physiologic and pharmacological assistance to the patients of the Center for the Mentally Ill, and continued commitment to the arts and socio-civic involvement. PROJECT DREAM also topped the TAYO’s Visayas Area Finals held last September 24-25, 2009 at the Mango Park Hotel, Cebu City.
The Ten Accomplished Youth Search was initiated by Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan who noted that there were numerous awards given for individual accomplishments but only a few that acknowledged the contributions ad efforts of groups and organizations. The search began in 2003 with the idea of recognizing the achievements of youth groups in the areas of education, livelihood, entrepreneurship, community service, technology, health, media, arts and culture, and environment. Now, in its 7th year, The TAYO Awards Foundation together with the Office of Sen. Pangilinan, the National Youth Commission and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, TAYO continues to recognize pro-active youth organizations that promote teamwork and unity and define the genuine meaning of “service” for the important task of nation building.
In line with TAYO’s thrust to harness the spirit of volunteerism, Iloilo Prima Galaw artists opened the prestigious 7th TAYO Awarding Ceremonies at the Renaissance Hotelein Makati by singing the Philippine National anthem and rendering the doxology. Last October 25, the group was also invited by the Cultural Center of Philippines to perform HIYAW: Himig at Sayaw para sa Mga Pilipino at the Bulwagang Huseng Batute for SAGIP SINING: Art to the Rescue. The CCP project is for the benefit of the victims of Ondoy and Pepeng.
PROJECT DREAM is Iloilo Prima Galaw’s story. The artists of Iloilo Prima Galaw have proven that with passion, commitment and friendship they can make their dream a reality - to stage productions that will showcase the best in Ilonggo talents and promote arts and culture to the Ilonggo audience. They can enable other artists to discover the best in themselves and be inspired to share their creative understanding of the world for the greater glory of God. PROJECT DREAM fulfilled.