The Philippine Embassy and Sentro Rizal Singapore, in collaboration with Parangal and ASEF, hosted a cultural showcase highlighting Philippine heritage.
SINGAPORE, 26 July 2024 – The Philippine Embassy and Sentro Rizal Singapore, in cooperation with Parangal, and with the support of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), successfully held “A Showcase of Philippine Culture through Music and Dances featuring Parangal” at the Asia-Europe Foundation in Singapore. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, business partners, ASEF officials, and the Filipino community in Singapore.
This activity aimed to promote awareness and appreciation of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, aligning with National Culture Consciousness Week, observed from July 1 to 7, as per Proclamation No. 1148 signed on May 31, 1973, by then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. The event also marked the 55th anniversary of the Philippines and Singapore bilateral relations.
Parangal, a Filipino Folk Dance & Music Company based in San Francisco, California, USA, was the featured performing group. Their mission is to honor Philippine heritage by preserving and promoting ethnic attire, music, and dance through research, workshops, and performances. Parangal’s members are dedicated to instilling Pinoy pride within the diaspora.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig emphasized the importance of nurturing and passing down cultural heritage to future generations, highlighting the role of cultural ambassadors like Parangal and partners like ASEF. ASEF Executive Director Ambassador Morikawa Toru also highlighted the significance of appreciating different cultures to inspire respect for diversity.
Parangal, led by Artistic Director Eric Solano, performed with thirteen members, including Nursida Diamson Jaludin, a Sama culture bearer and Igal Master from Tawi-Tawi, and Datu Habib Mohammad, a Maguindanaon culture bearer and Sagayan Kalilang Master. The dances were inspired by the indigenous peoples of Kalinga, Sama, Maguindanao, and Meranao. The event was streamed live via the Embassy’s official Facebook page and is available for viewing here. Before their performance in Singapore, Parangal represented the Philippines at the Bojonegoro Thengul International Folklore Festival in East Java, Indonesia, from July 20-24, 2024.
Following the performances, guests enjoyed native delicacies and refreshments, including coffee from Mt. Apo by Coffee Estacion, and traditional Filipino dishes like sapin-sapin, biko, okoy, pancit miki bihon, and samalamig provided by the Muslim-owned Filipino restaurant, Nanay’s Kitchen.
ASEF, headquartered in Singapore, is an intergovernmental not-for-profit organization that fosters mutual understanding and collaboration between the people of Asia and Europe through intellectual, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. The Philippines has been a member of ASEF since its inception in 1997.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
