The municipal government of Lubang in Occidental Mindoro has launched a research and documentation project aimed at preserving the history, movements, music, costumes and cultural significance of the Balsehan ng Lubang, a traditional cultural practice closely associated with the island town’s Mayohan Festival.
The project is being undertaken by the Lubang Municipal Tourism Office and the Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Council (MTCAC), which are seeking the participation of residents, cultural practitioners and community elders who can provide information and historical materials about the tradition.
The local government said the Balsehan is more than a traditional dance or festival performance. It reflects the town’s history, faith, identity, music, traditions and collective memory.
However, much of the knowledge about the Balsehan has yet to be recorded and remains preserved largely through the memories and experiences of elders and cultural bearers, according to the tourism office.
The research team is collecting old photographs, videos, audio recordings, musical instruments, costumes, festival programs, newspaper clippings and other documents related to the Balsehan and Mayohan Festival.
It is also seeking information about former Balsehan dancers, choreographers, musicians, trainers, cultural bearers and elders who may provide accounts about the tradition’s origins, development and continued practice.
As part of the project, researchers conducted interviews and gathered information from residents of Barangay Maliig on Aug. 31.
The fieldwork focused on collecting community narratives, knowledge and personal experiences that could help establish the history and origins of the Balsehan and document how the tradition has evolved over the years.
The tourism office said every story, recollection and piece of information contributed by community members forms part of the effort to preserve and strengthen the Balsehan as an important part of Lubang’s cultural heritage and identity.
Residents who have old photographs, recordings, documents, memorabilia or other materials related to the Balsehan are encouraged to share them with the research team for documentation.
The tourism office said original materials may be brought or submitted temporarily for documentation.
Those who wish to contribute may contact the Lubang Tourism, Culture and Arts Office or email lubangtourism@gmail.com. They may also contact Tourism Officer Gina Tabor-Julaton through 0998-996-2878 or Facebook Messenger.
The municipal government appealed particularly to senior citizens, former Balsehan performers, musicians, choreographers, cultural practitioners and people who witnessed or participated in the tradition to share their memories.
It said their firsthand accounts are vital to building a more accurate and community-based record of the Balsehan ng Lubang for future generations.