Tboli Tribal Learning Center opens in Kiamba

By JOY R. SEVILLA KIAMBA, Sarangani (January 29, 2014)- A hub for culture, arts and music, which is expected to be one of the schools of living traditions of the Tboli tribe in the whole province, officially opened in Kiamba Tuesday (January 28). Michelle Solon, wife of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, represented the latter in the opening of the Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe Inc. Tribal Learning Center in barangay Badtasan. Solon expects that the center would be an inspiration not only in Badtasan, but also in Kiamba and eventually in the whole province as well. “The opening of this house will help cultivate the culture and arts of our province. In the past, maraming artists ang kinukuha natin na hindi taga-Sarangani para mag-perform. Let us be proud of this because this is where our Tboli talents will originate,” Solon said. The Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe Inc. is founded by Lyn Lambago, a Tboli who has a strong passion and determination to train young kids to dance as well as play indigenous instruments. Lambago recalls the group’s humble beginning in 2007 when she was asked to perform during former Mayor Rommel Falgui’s 100 days as a mayor in Kiamba. “Nangita ko og mga bata na pwede mag-perform, ako silang gitudloan. Unang performance namo, bata pa kaayo akong mga dancers, five, six years old ang ilang edad. Karon, 12, 13 years old na sila ug nagapadayon gihapon sila,” Lambago said. She added that at present, Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe has 12 active members, five boys and seven girls. Solon, on the other hand, said the governor has expressed his all out support to the group. “We want to see more and more Tboli be proud of their tribe, huwag ninyo maliitin ang sarili ninyo because you are a different generation. Ipagpatuloy niyo ang ginagawa niyo because you will be part of the province’s tourism circuit,” she told the Lemuhen dancers and musicians. Lemuhen is a term that means “bird”. Lambago said she named the troupe after it saying, like a bird, they will soar high and will be recognized in the future as a renowned group which preserves Tboli traditions through their songs and dances. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)