Before January 22-26, 2019, Renton High’s FSU seniors are getting ready to perform their last multicultural nights.

But first, here is an introduction to the Filipino traditional folk dance called tinikling.

This dance is named after a long-legged bird called “tikling” in the Philippines. Rice farmers on Visayan Islands used to set up bamboo traps to protect their rice fields. But, the intelligent tikling birds outsmarted them by dodging their traps with fast movement. The traditional Philippine dance was then born after locals imitated the bird’s movements.

Legend says the dance originated during the Spanish colonial era when locals were forced by the King of Spain to work on large plantations. The people who failed to follow orders or worked
too slow were punished. They used to beat the Filipino Natives feet by having them stand in between two bamboo poles and clapping them together. Just like in the dance, they would jump
when the poles were about to be clapped in order to escape. This frightening challenge transformed into a unique and fun dance.

Now, let’s talk about the graduating class of 2019 in FSU.

An Arrow reporter had the chance to speak with 3 fellow seniors in tinikling: Jamirlyn Totaan, Grace Ramos and Jimwell Dumaguing. They have been in FSU since they were freshmen and as the years progressed, along with their love and passion for this club, they became officers! A highly important role of what FSU is today along with past generations!

Throughout these students’ years in high school, the club has changed along with themselves.

Ramos said, “FSU has changed me A LOT. I’ve gained more confidence and got rid of my stage fright. FSU helped me try different things such as running for officer which I did not expect to get.”

FSU is more than just an average high school club. It is a very diverse place where anyone is welcome. People can grow as individuals, express their love for the Philippine culture and dance, learn more about their lineage, and simply have fun along with others who share the same passion.

“As each year passed by, I become more confident in my abilities in tinikling. I’m now motivated to help the younger generation to dance with the same passion I had,” said Dumaguing.

Joining the club allows RHS students to meet new people in FSU and create this special bond. There’s this special connection that intertwines everyone together. It’s the best feeling ever knowing that students have these amazing people that will always have their backs and guide them through the high school.

“I was able to be around with my friends and even make friends with members that I’ve never seen or met before. Each and everyone in FSU has made a big impact in my life and I consider everyone in FSU my family,” explained Totaan.

This year’s multi-performance at RHS will be their very last and they have worked so hard to make it the best possible. Their hard work, passion, love, and dedication is truly amazing. A special thanks go out to all the seniors, alumni, officers and instructors in FSU. They helped made what FSU is today!

Now, FSU’s current freshmen, a.k.a Renton High’s graduating class of 2022, will be the next generation of officers in the future and will work just as hard as these guys did.  FSU is a home where others get to stand and unite as one.

An endless growing family.

Sources
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/tinikling-the-national-dance-of-the-philippines-with-bamboo-poles/
And interviewed Seniors: Jamirlyn Totaan, Grace Ramos and Jimwell Dumaguing