History
In May of 1992, San Francisco students and teachers came together to form a group that celebrates Philippine culture and tradition. From this group, LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble was born and founded by Artistic Director, Rudi C. Soriano. Since the very first presentation at San Francisco State University's McKenna Theatre, the goal of LIKHA, which means creation in Pilipino, is to collect and preserve indigenous Philippine art forms as expressed in music, literature, dance, arts, crafts and costumes.These goals are realized through research, education, performance, collecting and curating, youth outreach and youth development.
Founder, Rudi C. Soriano
LIKHA's founder has an extensive background and expertise in traditional Filipino movement. A former soloist with the renown Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company in Manila, Rudi also trained with Alice Reyes Cultural Center of the Philippines Dance Company.In Paris, Rudi studied under Lianne Dayde of Paris Opera Ballet and trained with Rosella Hightower's modern dance company in Cannes, France. Rudi choreographed Budong, Peace Pact for the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Dance Company in 1993, as well as dance pieces for San Francisco State University's Pilipino American Collegiate Endeavor (PACE), UC Berkeley's Pilipino American Association (PAA), and UC Santa Cruz's Filipino Student Association (FSA).
In 2001, Rudi was honored with the Pilipino community's Pamana Award for Folk Dance Arts Education. And in 2007 he was awarded an outstanding choreographer award by World Arts West, the organizers of the acclaimed San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.
Alumni
If you are an alum but not listed below, please contact info@likha.org.- Alisa Quezon
- Almar Reyes
- Alvin Albano
- Amytis Galicha
- Anchilla Canoy Monks
- Arledge David
- Beatriz Velasco
- Bryan Pangilinan
- Camille Sibucao
- Cesca Baula
- Charlene Abalos
- Cherylee Abiva
- Claire Martinez
- Diana Lerma
- Elaine Goco
- Emelita Goco
- Emmanuel Grueso, Jr.
- Fernando Guarin
- Fides Enriquez
- Fredeswinda Santos
- Gabriel Encarnacion
- Genevieve Dominguez
- George Viray
- Gerald Reyes
- Henry Lao
- Herna Cruz
- Ida Parcon
- Irene Cariaso
- Jenn Reyes
- Jennifer Poblete
- Joan Cuenco
- Joanna Morales
- John Laxa
- Joseph Reyes
- Jun Galicha
- Kimberly Honrado
- Kristy del Rosario
- Laurie Krsmanovic
- Lianne Billostas
- Lyla Tamayo
- Manuela Hapin
- Maria Paraz
- Maripaz Pascual
- Marjorie Albano
- Mark Illarina
- Matthew Illarina
- Maurice Atendido
- Melissa Jane Albano
- Michelle Laguerta
- Mildred Musni
- Myra Tayag
- Pebbles Remulla
- Pehnee Poblete
- Rhani Bigay
- R. Paul Villaluz
- Rachelyn Ruperto
- Racquel Medalle
- Randy Miranda
- Rico Reyes
- Rowena Nery
- Salvador Macasieb
- Sam Largo
- Shanna Mendiola
- Tess Acob
- Wil Nyguen
- Yvette Cuenco
