Parangal Dance Company showcased Maranao dances when it once again represented the Philippines at the web edition of the Dorin Oancea 2020 International Folk Dance Festival in Romania.
The Federation of International Dance Festivals (FIDAF) and Dorul Art Company decided to push through with the festival from August 14 to 16 conducted online due to the coronavirus disease pandemic that forced the countries to impose lockdowns.
Twenty-five dance companies from five continents participated in the festival’s web edition and submitted their pre-recorded performances.
“We were invited to participate by Folkworld,” Parangal said in an interview with Good News Pilipinas. “We’ve been invited before but have not been able to participate. Glad this time even if virtual we got to represent the Philippines.”
“Quite an experience,” Parangal added. “Ang feeling, teamwork to represent kaya parang nandoon din kami (sa venue).”
The Parangal Dance Company presented their recorded repertoire entitled “Kiyaprawa a ko ArkatLawanen” (The Abduction of Princess Lawanen), the one they showcased at the 40th annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in California way back 2018.
The “Kiyaprawa a ko ArkatLawanen” (The Abduction of Princess Lawanen) is inspired by the ancient Maranao legend of the beautiful Princess Lawanen of Bumbaran and the brave Prince Mabaning Ndaw Rogong of Gandongan.
The presentation formed through the company’s partnership with the Culture Bearer Abdul Jabar D. Dimalna was Parangal’s tribute to the Maranao people of Mindanao.
At the end of the festival, the Filipino folk dance group was thankful to be one of the participating teams to receive Best in Choreography Award.
Parangal Dance company is also set to present Filipino folk dances in a virtual festival in Colombia on August 30 and in two more festivals later this year.
In 2018, Parangal was invited at the Folclórico Internacional de Barraquilla Estefania Caicedo in Colombia.
The group also represented the country in Mexico for the celebration of the 455th anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade in 2019.
CLICK the link to watch the Dorin Oancea 2020 International Folk Dance Festival. Parangal Dance Company’s performance is at 3:15:51.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Parangal Dance Company for showcasing the Philippines’ Maranao dances in Romania!
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