Pride of PSU-Bayambang: Matalunggaring Dance Troupe

Pride of PSU-Bayambang: Matalunggaring Dance Troupe

 

The Matalunggaring Dance Troupe is a folk dance group founded by Prof. Januario Cuchapin in 1986 at the Pangasinan State University (now called the Pangasinan State University, Bayambang Campus).

 

In the Pangasinan language, "matalunggaring" means "possessing a character of excellence," thus "manaltalon lanang" or always winning.

 

Composed of college students, the dance troupe showcases Filipino folk dances, especially Pangasinan folk dances which require a high level of dexterity. Their consistently well-applauded performances testify to Cuchapin's rigorous training and the members' sense of discipline, commitment to craft, and respect for dance traditions.

 

MDT, as it is now called, has performed, not only during special occasions in Bayambang, but also in big gatherings in the province, the region, and beyond.

 

Some of its most memorable performances were during the National Tourism Month in the City of Manila as well as in Pasig City, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Paskuhan Village in Pampanga, and SM City Rosales, and in front of foreign visitors of the province of Pangasinan.

 

The group also once had a chance to perform in a contest on the popular noontime TV show “It’s Showtime” and became a weekly winner.

 

One of the troupe’s most popular performances is the Bayambang version of the “Sayaw ed Tapew na Bangko.”

 

The 'MDT' is currently under the direction of Mr. Jordan Neri. In 2022, the group is in its 36th year of promoting the cultural dances and songs of Pangasinan.

 

Reference: Prof. Januario Cuchapin