PH Consulate in SF, Parangal Pay Tribute to Indigenous Filipino Women in Women’s Month Exhibit

PH CONSULATE IN SF, PARANGAL PAY TRIBUTE TO INDIGENOUS FILIPINO WOMEN IN WOMEN’S MONTH EXHIBIT

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, from left to right: Parangal Artistic Director Eric Solano; Kalinga culture bearer Jenny Bawer Young; Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer; and Parangal Attire Director Rex Dela Cruz. (San Francisco PCG photo)

SAN FRANCISCO, USA – In celebration of National Women’s Month in the Philippines, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco has partnered with Parangal (formerly the Parangal Dance Company) for a month-long, one-of-a-kind exhibition titled “Paraluman: A Tribute to the Indigenous Women of the Philippines.”

The cultural exhibit is the first to be held at the Consulate this year and the very first major exhibition by Parangal, a Filipino performing arts group, showcasing its extensive wardrobe collection.

During the opening reception at the Philippine Center in San Francisco, Consul General Neil Ferrer said that apart from National Women’s Month, the exhibition also marks a continuation of the 50^th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Center, which was acquired by the Philippine government in 1974 “with the objective of, among others, enhancing the image of the Philippines in the United States… and propagating and nurturing Filipino culture.”

“Throughout history and across generations, Filipino women are at the forefront of societal change, economic development, and cultural preservation. In this spirit, the Consulate is delighted to present this unique exhibit that showcases the cultural heritage of the indigenous women of the Philippines,” Consul General Ferrer said.

“Each indigenous group has its own unique textile tradition, colors, and designs, symbolizing their identity, history, and their reverence for the natural and supernatural world… For our indigenous women, their attire is a powerful expression of autonomy, dignity, and pride,” Consul General Ferrer further said.

“Through this exhibit, we hope to deepen our appreciation of the beauty, diversity, and strength of our indigenous women who, in their own way, continue to shape the future of the Philippines while preserving the traditions that make them who they are,” said Consul General Ferrer.

The Philippine Consul General recognized Parangal’s role as “citizen ambassadors” of Philippine culture for the last 17 years, and thanked Parangal Artistic Director Eric Solano and Attire Director Rex Dela Cruz for mounting the exhibition.

The opening reception also featured dance performances by Parangal: Salip at Banga of the Kalinga, Asik of the Maguindanao, Pangalay ha Baluy and Pangalay Pangantin of the Tausug, and Pagapir and Singkil of the Meranao. Bay Area-based Kalinga culture bearer Jenny Bawer Young also gave her remarks during the event.

Among those that are featured include the attire and accessories of the Ga’dang, Ifugao, Kalinga, Panay Bukidnon, Sama, T’boli and Yakan peoples, and the weaves of the Blaan, Maguindanao, Mandaya and Meranao peoples. The cultural exhibit came about after years of research and immersion visits by Parangal to indigenous communities in the Philippines.

The Consulate invites the public to visit the cultural exhibit, which will run at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall until 28 March 2025.

Parangal aims to “pay tribute” to Philippine heritage by preserving and promoting ethnic dance, music and attire, and connect the diaspora with their roots that will give them a sense of pride and identity as Filipinos. The group is a mainstay of the official celebration of Filipino American History Month at the San Francisco City Hall every October.

This year’s National Women’s Month theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society: Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” reaffirms the Philippine government’s commitment to building a New Philippines—a nation where women have equitable opportunities, free from gender biases, and discriminatory stereotypes. It also embodies a sense of optimism and hope, symbolizing a future where women’s lives are truly uplifted. END