EMBASSY CELEBRATES NATIONAL HERITAGE MONTH WITH TRADITIONAL DANCE PERFORMANCES BY PARANGAL DANCE COMPANY

Kuala Lumpur, 11 May 2025 – In celebration of National Heritage Month (NHM), the Embassy hosted the event “Pamana at Pag-Asa: Celebrating Philippine Heritage through Dance and Storytelling” on 06 May 2025 at the Embassy grounds. The event featured performances by Parangal, a Filipino dance company based in San Francisco, California.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Filipino community, and students and professors from local universities, underscoring the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering appreciation for indigenous traditions and strengthening international ties.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Maria Angela A. Ponce thanked Parangal for its dedication to preserving and sharing Philippine indigenous traditions. She highlighted the importance of these efforts to encourage the audience, saying, “Through storytelling, performance, and dialogue, I hope we can all take away a deeper appreciation for our indigenous roots and the vital role they play in shaping our national identity. More importantly, may we each be inspired to do our part in keeping these Filipino traditions alive, wherever in the world we may be.”

Traditional dances from various indigenous groups in the Philippines were showcased, each reflecting the rich cultural heritage and unique artistic expressions of their communities. From the Cordillera region, the Kalinga dances Salip and Banga depict courtship and the graceful balance of women carrying pots through the mountains. The Panay Bukidnon dance Binanog Tigbabayi, mimicking the flight of the eagle. The Yakan dance Paunjalay was presented as a festive celebration of community. Representing the Tausug were the classical Pangalay, known for its flowing arm movements and metal fingernails; Pangalay ha Baluy, performed on mats symbolizing life’s journey; and Palikkat Awon Pangalay, showcasing the versatility of the tubular cloth worn by Tausug women. From the Maguindanaon community, Kadtendong illustrated the use of the tendong headpiece, Kapelibet drew inspiration from Kuntau martial arts, and Asik, a dance for royal entertainment, featured dancers adorned with gold fingernails. The epic warrior dance Sagayan Kalilang dramatized the heroic deeds of Prince Bantugan, traditionally performed by men during royal ceremonies to welcome guests.

Parangal, whose name means “tribute,” was founded in 2008 and has since collaborated with over 70 culture bearers from more than 30 indigenous communities across the Philippines. Their visit to Malaysia highlights the group’s ongoing mission to preserve, honor, and share Filipino indigenous heritage through research, performance, and community engagement.

Parangal is led by Co-Founder and Artistic Director Mr. Eric Solano. He was joined by Ta’u Sug Culture Bearer Ms. Sitti Airia Obeso, Kalinga Culture Bearer Ms. Ophelia Grace Addom, Dance Director Ms. Jet Tagle, Artistic Lead Mr. Jonathan Michael Mercado, and Performing Artists Mr. Michael Nicer and Ms. Ophelia Nombrado Sampang.

This event was held in line with the 2025 NHM theme “Preserving Legacies, Building Futures: Empowering Communities Through Heritage,” affirming the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to celebrating Philippine traditions and inspiring pride among the Filipino diaspora in Malaysia.

National Heritage Month, celebrated throughout May, is anchored on Proclamation No. 439. It is dedicated to fostering awareness, respect, and appreciation for the rich historical and cultural legacies of the nation’s cultural history. This month-long observance reminds us of our collective duty to honor, preserve, and pass on our rich cultural heritage to future generations. END

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