Dante Buenaventura and Filipino Cultural Activism (Part 2)

Published in The Diversity Times - March 2016 Vol.5 No.3

Courtesy of Tonyocruz.com

I scoured the files in the Manitoba Archives as suggested by Ted Alcuitas, a pioneer activist journalist back in the mid 70s in Winnipeg. He was the founder of Silangan Newspaper, the first Filipino newspaper that started in 1977 and lasted up to 1982. He told me to dig into the archives to gather the events that happened in those days and have a feel of the process. Lo and behold, from 1976 up to 1988, Dante Buenaventura was a tireless organizer of different events in the community. Through Tanghalang Filipino (Philippine Theatre) that was formed almost at the same time as Magdaragat, he wrote and organized about fourteen short plays through the years that promoted Philippine culture in the diaspora. In these plays, he called for unity and love of the motherland. To cite some examples, in 1978, a play was staged titled “Sisa, Kasaysayan ng Isang Ina” (Sisa, The Story of a Mother); 1979 - “Larawan ng Buhay” (Portrait of Life); 1980- “Hanggang dito na lamang, Bukas naman Ulit.” He was also a delegate to conferences like “Focus 82”- a seminar for artistic directors. Felino de Jesus recalls that the last play that Dante staged before his death on March 5, 1988 was “People Power,” where Felino played the role of an activist priest. Born on December 21, 1945, he will lead a life full of relevance for 43 years serving the people.

Dante Buenaventura played a huge role in the field of culture in Manitoba. Aside from this, he contributed a lot in the area of multiculturalism. He was one of the pioneers of Folklorama from its beginning and even up to now with Magdaragat’s presence as a cultural group. He was well appreciated in the mainstream community of Winnipeg. Leaders recognized him for his contributions in the community like the late Premier Howard Pawley, Maureen Hemphill  (Minister of Education  in the 80’s) and Sylvia Toduschuk, to name a few (Source: Pablo Herrera, Felino de Jesus).

In 1983, when Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino (foremost Philippine opposition leader in the 80’s) was assassinated, Dante Buenaventura’s idealism became apparent with his active involvement in the anti- dictatorship struggle in Winnipeg. He became a leading member of Philippine Support Group (PSG) and also supported the August Twenty One Movement organized by Ted Alcuitas. Dante Buenaventura directed Magdaragat to participate not only in mainstream cultural events but also significantly in fundraising and presentations that have clear anti –dictatorship calls. Magdaragat served as the cultural component of the political organizing by the Philippine Support Group. This kind of leadership coming from Dante Buenaventura separates him from the rest. Based on his practice, one can see that for Dante, culture, if not used for the liberation of the motherland from the dictatorship, is inadequate. In 1986, he even went home to the Philippines to research on the details of the EDSA Revolution so he can write the script of the play “People Power,” the last play staged in 1987 (Source: Interviews with F. de Jesus). In the December 1986 and January 1987 issues of New Silangan, Dante wrote two articles with revealing titles, “Struggle for National Democracy” and “What is the National Democratic Coalition?”

When I heard the testimonies from people in the community and based on my research on Silangan issues from 1977 to 1982, I resolved to write an article about Dante Buenaventura. Dante Buenaventura must not be forgotten as he is one of those who prepared the ground for migrant organizations to flourish and serve as shield of the community from racism and discrimination, exploitation and oppression. What he started will lead to organizations that promote patriotic stage plays, parties (fun events) as well as organizations that promote rights and welfare of the migrant (workers) community. Mabuhay ka (Long live) Dante Buenaventura! Isa kang tunay na anak ng bayan!  (You are a true son of the Motherland!)