The Parangal Dance Company is collaborating with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, California, for a month-long exhibition entitled Paraluman, which is open to the public for free.
The United States-based Filipino folk dance troupe announced the good news on February 18, stating that it is their tribute to Indigenous Filipinas in celebration of International Women’s Month.
READ: Parangal Dance Company Showcases Filipino Culture at Indonesia and Singapore Events
“In honor of International Women’s Month in March, we invite you to celebrate the women from Indigenous communities of the Philippines. This exhibition will highlight their artistry and cultural identity through traditional attire and share the stories of cultural masters who take pride in their Indigenous heritage. Celebrating women who inspire the community,” Parangal shared on social media.
The dance group also explained that Paraluman is the perfect title for the exhibition, as it embodies the essence of Filipino women—their grace, strength, and cultural significance.
“‘Paraluman’ is a Filipino term that describes the most beautiful muse, a concept frequently celebrated by artists in 19th-century Filipino poetry and music. Paraluman embodies the essence of an individual who leaves a lasting impact and serves as a source of artistic inspiration,” they said.
SEE Parangal’s public invitation for the monthlong Paraluman exhibition here:
The exhibition, curated by Attire Director Jose Rexiel Dela Cruz in collaboration with cultural bearers, runs from February 28 to March 8 at Kalayaan Hall, located at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, 447 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California.
“This exhibit features traditional garments worn by various Indigenous women and shares their narratives as culture bearers, highlighting their extraordinary resilience and unwavering commitment to safeguarding their heritage,” Dela Cruz shared with Good News Pilipinas.
“One of Parangal’s key advocacy points is to eliminate the term ‘costumes’ when referring to these traditional attires. These garments are deeply intertwined with the identities and cultural heritage of the women who wear them,” he added.
The Paraluman exhibit also serves as a platform to challenge misconceptions and advocate for the respectful representation of indigenous attire, emphasizing that these garments are not merely costumes but a vital part of a living heritage.
“The exhibit also addresses concerns around cultural misappropriation, emphasizing that certain clothing, weaves, and the manner in which they are worn carry significant cultural importance. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe the proper and respectful ways to wear these traditional attires,” Dela Cruz concluded.
Those interested in attending the opening reception on February 28 can sign up through this link: [RSVP] Paraluman, a tribute to the Indigenous Women of the Philippines .
In 2019, Parangal Dance Company offered folk dance workshops for students ages 13 and up–free of charge.
