The Creative Mind Behind the Triumph of Malaybalay City in Kaamulan 2024

In this year’s Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City emerged as the overall champion, clinching the top spot in the street dancing and float competitions and securing second runner-up in the ground competition.

Behind Malaybalay City’s achievements stands a community development faculty member of Bukidnon State University who managed to balance his academic responsibilities with his passion for the creative arts.

Mr. Jose Benito “Benjoe” Ronolo, the lead choreographer of the winning team, played a significant role in their success. His workmanship is evident in the performers’ finesse, elevating Malaybalay City’s historical narratives to a prominent position among cultural and ethnic representations today.

Let’s get to know the creative process of Sir Benjoe and how it brought pride to his hometown:

Congratulations on the success of your team during the Kaamulan Festival 2024! The storyline of Malaybalay City during the street dancing and ground competitions was unique because it deviated from the usual tribal wars or good-versus-evil narrative. What inspired you to come up with that storyline?

Way back in 2020, the NCIP (National Commission on Indigenous Peoples) called all directors and choreographers to participate in a seminar led by Dr. Lincoln V. Tan. It was emphasized by the former NCIP Bukidnon head, Ms. Ma. Shirlene Sario that we have to showcase less war [in our dance theme] because the IP narrative is not always about war. From there, in 2023, I went to the Daraghuyan tribe to research a storyline that best fits Malaybalay, market the products of the IPs, and, of course, NO WAR. Part of me wants to showcase new literature to excite the people every year. 

Managing a large group of performers can be daunting. Can you walk us through the process of creating choreography for nearly 300 individuals and ensuring flawless execution?

I’ve hired eight staff, composed of one musical director who has been with me since 2017–2018, one prop master, and six dance masters. I’ve already planned the schedule, including movements, formation drafts, and even vacation leaves. It was not easy for sure, to deal with different personalities, yet, it was more on motivational incentives and group dynamic workshops. With the team, already bonded, with unit leaders identified, it was easier but NOT perfect. With the help of the staff and the daily visits of the department heads and government officials, these gave them a boost to perform at their best.

Winning the float competition added another feather to Malaybalay City’s cap. Could you share with us the brainstorming and decision-making behind the float design?

Sir Kit Gresos has been a friend of mine since 2019. We actually proposed [the design] last year but were not able to secure the job. We decided to propose again this year, sharing my story with him. During the preparation, he came prepared. Sir Kit was the mastermind behind the masterpiece. Hailing from Butuan City, he is also an award-winning artist and the owner of Papelemento. Regarding the queries, such as whether Bai (the statue) should wear pinanggahanan or her headdress, the same is true of the roasted beans and everything else. All credits [for the float design] should be given to Sir Kit.

Your reputation for creativity precedes you in Malaybalay City. What moments or experiences in your life sparked your passion for the creative arts?

Since childhood, I have been a dancer. I became a member of H20 during high school and Blaque Flitts during college. While in college, I began training small groups. In 2017, my father asked me if I was ready to train Kaamulan, representing Malaybalay City, and I said yes. It was my first time training such a large group, and it marked the comeback of Malaybalay City from years of drought to winning streaks.

Balancing responsibilities as Chairperson of the Community Development Department at Bukidnon State University alongside external engagements requires excellent time management. How do you maintain this balance effectively?

Indeed, it was a challenge, but I had already planned to hire as many people as possible to cover my absences during practice. Communication through Facebook was a major help. My staff simply sends videos and pictures, and I provide comments or suggestions. Additionally, we plan out each weekend in advance. As a result, I must ensure that my staff are happy by providing them with what they need every weekend.

As an educator, how do you cultivate creativity in your students, especially those studying community development, to prepare them for future challenges and opportunities?

I don’t insist on specific formats. In most activities, I allow my students to interpret freely and express their creativity. I always encourage them to participate in all student activities to ignite their creative potential.

(BukSU-Information Unit)