KIM: Create more funding opportunities for artists to continue to be able to share and create their work! More opportunities to collaborate with other artists to showcase what we can and have been doing.
KIM: The power in our own narratives and our voice. Even in the subtle act of wanting to remember so that those you love remember, too. ROWENA: How do you imagine your legacy inspiring future descendants? KIM: I hope it inspires folks to archive our personal histo- ries, create more Filipinx diasporic work, and keep to the tradition of passing down our families’ legacies. ROWENA: You describe yourself as a “Philippine born, Mission District-raised Cultural Worker.” As a cultural worker how do you balance empowering marginalized communities of Filipinos with raising awareness outside of the Filipinx community? KIM: When it comes to cultural work, it’s important to remember that our work intersects with so many different cultures and communities. Dance and photography that uplifts marginalized communities of Filipinos has given cultural entry points to audience members. By sharing my art and speaking on it, I uplift those Indigenous communi- ties while educating others.
you’re sharing her stories. Why? What’s the connection to Pasalamat Sa Mga Ina ?
has the privilege to access technology to be able to see uploaded photos. I’ve visited one family since 2015. On my last visit we were able to compare all the photos from the previous years. Connecting over photos is a big part of why I fell in love with photography. With dance, I involve my mentors and culture bearers. I share movements that have any hint of a cultural practice in them with my mentors so they can collaborate with me. My director in Parangal Dance Company, Eric Solano, has had such an influence and impact on my practice. Going on research trips with him and being able to observe how he interacts with the different communities has taught me that cultural dance is community work. ROWENA: Your CA$H-awarded project, Pasalamat Sa Mga Ina , translates to “Thanks to the Mothers.” What’s the significance of mothers in a patriarchal world? KIM: Both American and Philippine cultures tend to lean heavy towards patriarchy. However, before colonization in the Philippines, women were regarded highly, even held positions of power. They were regarded as equals. It’s time to reclaim that. To remember the power we hold in the histories of our matriarchal lineage.
KIM: In her memoir, my great lola writes: “ I would like to start writing today interesting events that my beloved ones may enjoy reading about, especially when I am already gone. ” I want to share this drive of hers to create joy for others. This joy is ours to inherit through shared memory. Pasalamat Sa Mga Ina stems from this desire of wanting those we love to be happy. It uplifts and honors this—the act and intention of creating joy so that we may remember. ROWENA: What can younger generations learn from your great lola’s memoir?
ROWENA: Anything else you want to add?
KIM: Parangal Dance Company is having our 15th Anniversary show, Paglinang , soon. I’ve been teach- ing senior citizens Philippine Folk Dance for the past few weeks as part of a SOMA Pilipinas program called Restorative Theater Arts for Seniors (RETAS) and they’ll be performing!
Paglinang Parangal and SOMA Pilipinas Saturday, October 7, 2023 2 PM and 7 PM Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA, San Francisco
KIM REQUESTO is a Philippine born, Mission District-raised Cultural Worker and Interdisciplinary Artist based in San Francisco, California. With an artistic foundation in Philippine folk dance that spans over 18 years, Requesto has dedicated herself to cultural expression and advo - cacy through movement, photography, and community outreach. Requesto is currently with Parangal Dance as part of their Artistic Team.
ROWENA: How can we in the broader Bay Area dance community help you?
ROWENA: Your great lola (grandmother) Juana’s memoir dates back to the 1920s. Nearly 100 years later,
12
in dance FALL 2023 12
FALL 2023 in dance 13
In Dance | May 2014 | dancersgroup.org
unify strengthen amplify unify strengthen amplify
44 Gough Street, Suite 201 San Francisco, CA 94103 www.dancersgroup.org
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker