"Sayaw" Premieres October 24, 2015

SAN FRANCISCO - Sept. 23, 2014 - PRLog -- Director Cecilio Asuncion and Thigh High Productions, with the support of the Philippine Department of Tourism and SwirlTV, will host a premiere to celebrate the release of an extraordinary new documentary, “Sayaw”, on Saturday, October 24^th at New People Cinema in historic Japantown, 1746 Post Street, San Francisco, California.

“Sayaw”, the Filipino term for “Dance”, is about dance celebrated as an art form.  This film features interviews with Jay Loyola, Master of Philippine Dance Choreographer and dancers from his renowned Jay Loyola Dance Company in San Francisco.  The film presents the Filipino choreographer’s and the dancers’ journey, from audition to choreography, culminating in their intense preparation for the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival where they will compete with hundreds of dance companies from the world over.

This film also delves deeper into the personal adventure of Jay Loyola, who migrated to the US equipped only with his passion for dance and the dream to elevate Philippine dance to a higher level and share its artistic and cultural richness to the world.  Jay co-founded the American Center of Philippine arts five years ago for young Filipino-Americans to learn the Filipino culture through dance.

“Sayaw” is a film close to Director Cecilio Asuncion’s heart as he had danced ballet in his younger years and had always aspired to do a dance film.  This is also his way of promoting the Filipino culture in the art form that he loves and giving back to the community by sharing his talent in filmmaking.  When Cecilio met Jay and learned that he is a choreographer, Cecilio instantly knew that he would tell Jay’s story, which soon became this documentary.

“Sayaw” is teeming with excellent dancers, both neophytes and seasoned alike.  Viewers will enjoy the technical choreography and feast their eyes on the colorful and striking costume artistry.

The featured dancers in the film are:

Jonathan Mendoza, Principal Dancer, Shaman

Loren Gonzales, Principal Dancer, God of Light

Jadyn Rozzano-Keefe, Young Goddess of Light

Mahalaya Tintiangco-Cubales, Punay

Shinobi Jaxx, Goddess of Water

Reina Victoria, Goddess of Light

Director Cecilio Asuncion presents, “Sayaw”, a Thigh High Production, featuring choreographer Jay Loyola and dancers of Jay Loyola Dance Company.  “Sayaw” is co-produced by Brian Anderson, Joshua Jones and Larry Roan and sponsored by the Philippine Department of Tourism, SwirlTV and the Artists in Motion Bay Area.  "Sayaw" is Cecilio' second film.

Question & Answer forum will follow after the film with Director Cecilio Asuncion and film’s cast, hosted by Michelle Meow.  Provided are complimentary cocktails from Infanta Coconut Vodka and hors d’oeuvres from Vanessa Rochelle and My Favorite Bite.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with Red Carpet Reception.

Tickets may be purchased at http://sayawfilm.brownpapertickets.com/.

A portion of ticket proceeds and donations are graciously accepted on behalf of Artists in Motion Bay Area.

About Cecilio Asuncion, Producer/Director

Cecilio Asuncion is an out gay Filipino Filmmaker based in San Francisco.  He is the recipient of the 2012 Outstanding Filipino-American award for LGBT advocacy for his film, “What’s the T?” which is currently available on Hulu and Indieflix, and has a DVD release in the Fall of 2014.  The film has screened in festivals across the U.S. and Europe such as Frameline 37, SOHO International Film Festival, Palm Springs Cinema Diverse, The London Transgender Film Festival, Rio LGBT Film Festival among others.  The film had wonthe audience choice award in the Palm Springs Cinema Diverse LGBT Film Festival.  “Sayaw” is Cecilio’s second film.

About Jay Loyola Artistic Director, Jay Loyola Dance Company

Jay Loyola toured internationally as a principal dancer of the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company from 1989 to 1998.  Considered a protégé of choreographer Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula who was awarded the prestigious Philippine’s National Artist for Folk Dance and was the founding dance director of the Bayanihan Dance Company, Jay served as the Company’s Junior Assistant Dance Director in 1994 to 1996.  He taught Philippine folk dance workshops in the Philippines and for international festivals and conferences such as Singapore Arts Festival;  Kaliningrad International Dance Festival and World Folklore Festival under the auspices of Conseil International des Organisations de Festivals de Folklore et d’Arts Tradionnels in France, Germany, Italy, and the Philippines.

Media Contact

Dulce Dizon, PR Director / SF Bay Area Correspondent

The Global Filipino Network /  Power ng Pinoy TV

www.theglobalfilipino.com / powerngpinoy.tv