Last August, Gandrung Studio Dance participated to The 2nd Pyesta Kolon Datal Koronadal International Folklore Festival 2018 in Koronadal, Philippines. The festival was held from August 11th  to August 18th 2018. The group itself was consist with 15 dancers, along 1 leader and the person in charge at once, Ms. Rosmala Sari Dewi.

During the festival, they bring 11 dances; Indonesia Menari (2017) Dance, Kembang Jakarta, Renggong Manis, Tor-Tor Tandok Dance, Cendrawasih Dance, Lengger Dance, Kembang Ronggeng Dance, Mojang Priangan Dance, Sancang Gugat Dance, Gaplek Dance, and Bajidoran Dance.  While they were in Philippines, they stayed at Casa Gemma Hotel, Koronadal City.

On August 9th 2018, the group flied straight to Koronadal, Philippines. When first arrived at Philippines, the group was welcomed by KJRI Davao, Mr. Berlian Napitupulu. There were 8 other groups that participated in the festival such as Carribean Island, Republic of Estonia, Romania, Tahiti, Federation of Malaysia, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Kingdom of Thailand, and groups from the host country, Republic of the Philippines. 

There were so many activities in the festival. The group also had a chance to perform the dances for 7 times in different activities, which were on Opening Ceremony at South Cotabato Sport Complex, twice on Pocket Performance at Gaisano Grand Mall, on Outreach Performance at Tacurong City and Mun. of Surallah, and on Full Show - Matinee at South Cotabato Gymnasium & Cultural Center, also Full Show – Gala at The Rizal Park. And there was one session called "SPILL OF DANCE", where they got a chance to explain about the dances and also performed together with other 11 group from 8 different countries. 

Besides all the performance, they also had other activities, such as Gift Exchange with Mayor of Koronadal City and Mayor of Tacurong City, Flag Ceremony, Press Conference, DOT Fellowship Night, Cultural Conference Workshop, League of Municipalities of South Cotabato Meet & Greet Night, Tree Growing Activity, and Cultural Visit / Community Immersion. Almost all the activities was held in Koronadal City, except for Outreach Performance was held in Tacurong City, Mun. of Surallah. 

The group always asked to be a closing performance for every event or activity, it was such an honor to them because the committee asked for it, and they like all the dances. On every performances from Indonesia’s group, the audiences were really enthusiastic, especially when the group tried to invite the audiences to dance togeher in Indonesia Menari (2017) dance.

After a week joining the festival, the group finally must go back home. On August 19th 2018, the group went back to Indonesia from Davao, and the next day on August 20th they arrived in Indonesia. It was a such a great journey for Gandrung Dance Studio.

Written by : Ayasha Salmadhia & Gayatri Larasati

Editted and Published by : Ghina Aulia Megaputri