Credits: 

Direction: Potri Ranka Manis / Malaika Queaño
Dance Choreography: Nodiah U. Biruar / Potri Ranka Manis’
Fight Choreography: Mohammad Zebede P. Dimaporo / Guro Frank Ortega
Musicians: Nonilon V. Queaño, Malaika Queaño, Jerome S. Viloria, Ernesto Pamolarco III
Stage Manager: Malaika Queaño

Cast:

Radia Mangandiri (Rama): John Timothy Yanong, Tuwan Potri Malano Tihaia (Sita): Melissa Tala Bautista, Radia Mangawarna (Lakshmana): Joseph Lineses, Maharajah Malawana (Ravana): Saadman Rami Khan, Kra Ketsil Terngangga (Hanuman): Jerome S. Viloria, Golden Goat (Golden Deer): Jameelah Rose Del Prado Lineses, Imam: Jerome S. Viloria, Oracle: Nodiah U. Biruar

Ensemble:

Ann Rovell, Cristina R. Magturtur, Kelsea Suarez, Dominique (Dom) Guevara, Hamza Razuman, Hannah Serana Suarez, Jameelah Rose Del Prado Lineses, Jean Heracleo “Yoyong” Suarez, Milagros “Mica” Verendia, Mohammed Zebede Dimaporo, Nodiah U. Biruar, Saadman Rami Khan

References:

Dr. Nagasura Madale ( article on Maharadya Lawana), PhD, Dr. Juan R. Francisco PhD ( book “Agmag Niyog”)

Bios:

Ann Rovell (Ensemble)
Ann Rovell joined Kinding Sindaw in May 2025 to immerse herself in the diverse range of movements, rhythms, and styles that exist across diverse cultures. A chef and a healthcare professional that believes that dance becomes a bridge that connects people and fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. She joined the dance group to gain deeper understanding and appreciation of the richness and beauty of Mindanaoan culture.

Cristina R. Magturtur (Ensemble)
Cristina is a proud member of the Manobo tribe from Agusan, Philippines. Her journey has been shaped by deep cultural roots and a passion for healing as a nurse. She has dedicated herself to caring for others with passion and resilience. Since 2018, she has been a member of Kinding Sindaw, where she honors her heritage through the vibrant performance of Mindanao tribal dance, through both medicine and movement. She strives to preserve tradition and uplift lives.

Kelsea Suarez (Ensemble)
Kelsea Suarez is a Brooklyn-based dancer, musician, muralist, and Indigenous-rights advocate who believes culture is not merely an inheritance, but a creation. A former internationally competitive figure skater for Team Philippines, she now celebrates and platforms Indigenous Filipino heritage—its pride, resilience, and struggle— through cultural storytelling with Kinding Sindaw.

Dominique (Dom) Guevara (Ensemble)
Dom is a first-generation Filipina American from the Bay Area, now finding community in NYC. She is grateful for Kinding Sindaw and their commitment to preserving the traditions of indigenous people in the Philippines

Ernesto Pamolarco III (Musician)
Ernesto Pamolarco III is a proud child of two rich Filipino legacies—born in Manila and nurtured by the enduring spirit of his Bisaya roots through his parents, Toto and Annabel. He moved to New York with his family at 17 years old and has been a driving force in the Filipino band scene nestled in Woodside, Queens since 2011. Joining Kinding Sindaw gave him the outlet to explore the last island of his Filipino identity through the indigenous music and dance of Mindanao tribes. Since 2024, he has performed in major KS productions where he not just entertained - but celebrated and remembered the resilience of our Filipino ancestors.

Guro Frank Ortega (Choreographer)
Senior member of Kinding SIndaw and assists with the company’s martial arts training and scene choreography as well as music and tribal dance. He performed in major works including, Agama Niyog, Rajah Mangandiri, Lemlunay, Parang Sabil, Bemberan, and many other performances. He is the founder of Tirada Tirsia Kali Silat System, as well as Kinding Sindaw Dance Company. He promotes Philippine Martial Arts through seminars, workshops, and lectures. He trained under the guidance of Grand Master Tuhon Leo T. Gaje and has over 40 years experience in the martial arts. He continues his studies of oral traditions, music and dance of the Philippines to further reinforce his knowledge of the culture.

Hamza Razuman (Ensemble)
Hamza was born in Long Island, New York and grew up in South Florida. He is of Maranao descent and growing up, he was heavily involved in his Filipino community. He attended the University of Florida where he studied film and television production.

Hannah Serana Suarez (Ensemble)
Hannah Suarez’s artistic journey is a rich tapestry woven from passion, performance, and purpose. She is the Founder, Producer, and Director of BANTAWAN Productions under HANZ LLC. She worked with the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu College Students Theatre Arts Guild for Education (UPSTAGE) and Dulaang UP Diliman She has trained under legends Antonio "Tony" Mabesa, Benjamin Holcombre “Behn” Cervantes, and Professor Amiel Leonardia. In New York, Hannah was a member (Soprano 1) of Nashir: The Jewish-American Chorale, performing at Merkin Hall and the Kauffman Center with the Lucy Moses School and Special Music School of America for two consecutive years. Her recent performances was at the LaMaMa ETC “ Pagbabalik ng Musikero”, a tribute concert for original song compositions of Dr. Nonilon Queaño. 

Jameelah Rose Del Prado Lineses (Golden Goat / Golden Deer / Ensemble)
Born and raised in Jeddah, Jameelah is a multidisciplinary artist, dancer, filmmaker and musician. Her films have been screened in NY, Houston, Manila and Jeddah- making history as the first Filipino female filmmaker and only non-Saudi to do so. Her work has been recognized by the Director's Guild of America(DGA), the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP), and the New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT). She is the founder of the Khatak Film Society, an honorary member of the FDNY Phoenix Society. She graduated from the New York Film Academy, her studies sponsored by Princess Hala bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, one of the daughters of the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Her awards include International Film Festival Manhattan and "Ani Ng Dangal”, a Presidential Award from the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) for Cinema.

Jean Heracleo “Yoyong” Suarez (Ensemble)
Currently a Software Engineer at Voya Financial, Jean holds a BA in Anthropology and MS in Software Development. Before moving into tech, he served as a Community Development Worker for over 15 years, including as Program Coordinator at the Community Empowerment Resource Network, Inc. (CERNET), Deputy Secretary General of Karapatan Central Visayas, and Secretary General of the League of Filipino Students – University of San Carlos. He was an Editorial Staff member of Today’s Carolinian (2002), the official student publication of the University of San Carlos. Jean is currently the Chair of the Board of the New York Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund (NYDRRF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to global disaster relief and community resilience. A passionate musician and guitarist with a love for alternative '90s rock and classic '70s vibes, whether jamming with friends or diving into soulful riffs on his electric guitar, music is his ultimate escape and creative outlet.

Jerome S. Viloria (Hanuman / Kra Ketsil Terngangga / Imam / Musician)
Jerome wears many hats in Kinding Sindaw - Executive Director, Development Officer, Dance Captain, and Musician, to name a few. He joined in 2018 to continue his cultural education from his days in SAMAHAN at the University of Mount Saint Vincent.”

John Timothy Yanong (Rama / Radia Mangandiri)
John Timothy Yanong is a student at CUNY Baruch College majoring in Public Affairs with a minor in Law and Policy. Raised in the marginalized communities of the southern Philippines, he is dedicated to preserving Mindanao’s culture while pursuing a career as a public-interest lawyer. He is deeply passionate about representation and is committed to uplifting the voices of historically suppressed communities.

Joseph Lineses (Radia Mangawarna) 
Joseph Lineses, of Mangyan descent, has been performing with Kinding Sindaw for eight years. He continues his training under Guru Frank Ortega in Tirada Tirsia Kali Silat (Filipino Martial Arts) Passionate about social justice, Joseph is also an avid marathon runner, fitness enthusiast, fashion lover, and devoted foodie in his spare time.

Malaika Queaño (Musician / Stage Manager)
A first-generation Filipino American born to Maranao (People of the Lake) and Tagalog parents in New York City. She is a community organizer and cultural artist of southern Philippine, classical Indian, and Indonesian dance. Her studies include Bharata Natyam with Kamala Cesar, disciple of T. Balasaraswati, Indonesian traditional dance with Amalia Suryani, founder of the Saung Budaya Indonesian dance company, and training by master kulintang artist, the late Danongan Kalanduyan. She started performing at the young age of 2 as a dancer in Kinding Sindaw and is currently the main musician of Kinding Sindaw. In addition to her cultural work and activism, Malaika works as an Associate Project Manager at NYCDOT.

Melissa Tala Bautista (Sita / Tuwan Potri Malano Tihaia)
Melissa Tala Bautista is a Filipina American actress-dancer-artist based in New York and her hometown, Los Angeles. Previous dance credits include her time as a company member of Kayamanan Ng Lahi (2007-2019). Upcoming film: “Memories Without Tears” (dir. Xavier Solis), “Don’t Do That!” (dir. Peter Vasquez), “eighty-six” (dir. Dominic Niñal Parangao). Sa mga kaibigan ko, sa pamilya at kay Jake salamat din sa lahat!

Milagros “Mica” Verendia (Ensemble)
Mica has been a member of Kinding Sindaw for one year and has appeared in their production of Ig, Queens Dance Festival as well as many other performances. She is a Cultural Organizer and Communications Consultant, and enjoys surfing and attending cultural events in her spare time. As a descendant of the Manobo people of Mindanao, KS has been an important part of her personal, creative and cultural homecoming and organizing.

Mohammad Zebede P. Dimaporo (Choreographer / Ensemble)
Zeb is a New York–based creative and community-minded professional whose work spans storytelling, events, and cultural engagement. Outside his career in insurance (Agent at New York Life), he actively supports artistic and community productions, bringing warmth, humor, and a collaborative spirit to every project.

Nodiah U. Biruar (Choreographer / Oracle / Ensemble)
Nodiah U. Biruar is a tradition-bearer and dancer/choreographer who began her artistic path in 2008 with Kinding Sindaw. Her work is dedicated to preserving and sharing ancestral practices through movement and storytelling. She was honored with the Queensboro President Award in 2023 and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

Nonilon V. Queaño (Musician)
Well-recognized poet, playwright, fiction and songwriter, he has won awards in many literary contests, including the Palanca, CCP, and Talaang Ginto, and was appointed as UPCB’s Artist-in-Residence in 1981-1983 by the University of the Philippines system, in recognition of his achievements, literary production, and contributions to Philippine Literature. As songwriter, he is best recognized for his work, “Alay Kay Macliing Dulag” which he wrote in honor of the Kalinga Chieftain and hero who gave his life to the Cordillera Peoples struggle against the Chico River Dam Project during the Marcos regime. In 1990 while on leave to complete his masteral and Ph.D. degrees, his musical interest and talents brought him to join Kinding Sindaw as a kulintang artist and consultant. He continued to teach with DECL, UP Diliman, upon his return from the US and until his formal retirement in 2012, although his teaching extended until 2014. In 2018, his short story, “Migrante”, appeared in the UP Institute of Creative Writing, LIKHAAN Anthology, 40/40.  

Potri Ranka Manis (Director / Choreographer)
Potri Ranka Manis is a multidisciplinary Filipino-American nurse, artist, tradition-bearer, and activist rooted in the Meranao heritage of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. A descendant of the Meranao Sultanate, her father was Sultan of Borocot, Maguing—she carries the noble title Bai a Labi a Gaus sa Borocot, Maguing, reflecting her lifelong commitment to cultural stewardship.

As an artist and cultural leader, she founded the Kinding Sindaw Heritage Foundation in New York in 1992, dedicated to preserving and sharing the dances, rituals, epic chants, and oral traditions of Mindanao. A resident artist at La MaMa ETC since 2000, her recent works including Pananadem (2020), Posaka (2022), interweave ancestral narratives with contemporary themes. She is a NYFA/NYSCA Folk Art Fellow, a Dance/USA Artist Fellow, and a master teacher with Lotus Music & Dance, where she leads workshops on living traditions such as Sagayan, Singkil, Pangalay, and kulintang music.

Alongside her artistic work, Potri is a Public Health Nurse and Nurse Educator with the NYC Department of Health. She created R.A.N.K.A. (Resilient Ancestral Nurturing Knowledge and Arts) as a healing modality rooted in indigenous practices and led the #iloveyouverymask campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. After surviving an anti-Asian hate crime while distributing masks, she became an active advocate against violence and racism. She now serves on NYC’s Asian Affairs Advisory Council, is a member of Queens Community Board 3, and is a co-founder of the Kalusugan Coalition.

Through dance, healing arts, and civic engagement, Potri Ranka Manis bridges ancestral memory with present-day struggles, working to decolonize cultural narratives, affirm Filipino-Muslim identity, and advance community resilience. Her work embodies a living tradition—an ongoing act of resistance, storytelling, and care.

Saadman Rami Khan (Ravana / Maharajah Malawana / Ensemble)
In his Kinding Sindaw debut, Saadman Rami Khan is playing Ravana and is dancing in the chorus as a bamboo clapper. He is a risk consultant and grad part time student at Baruch College. In his free time, he enjoys exploring different cinema and novels.