PH CONSULATE IN SF, PTIC SILICON VALLEY CLOSE PARANGAL’S CULTURAL EXHIBIT WITH MIXER
(San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Filipino American cultural group Parangal wrapped up its exhibition “Paraluman: A Tribute to the Indigenous Women of the Philippines” with an exhibit closing and cultural mixer, co-organized with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and the Philippine Trade & Investment Center in Silicon Valley (PTIC-SV) at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in San Francisco on 28 March 2025.
The cultural exhibit was 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.
The event focused on showcasing Philippine indigenous culture to an American audience, and highlighting the contributions of Filipino culture bearers, practitioners and artisans in the Philippine creative industries.
Among the attendees of the exhibit closing and cultural mixer were representatives from foreign consulates, business schools, think tanks, non-profits, companies, banks, and other trade and business contacts.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General Neil Ferrer said that the month-long cultural exhibit was mounted in commemoration of National Women’s Month, and as a continuation of the Philippine Center’s 50th anniversary celebration.
“Throughout its month-long run, this exhibit has been more than a showcase of textiles and traditions—it has been a profound journey into the heart of our indigenous communities, where artistry and heritage intertwine to tell the story of our nation,” Consul General Ferrer said.
“We not only celebrate the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, but we also recognize their invaluable role in advancing the creative industries of the Philippines,” the Philippine Consul General Ferrer also said, adding that “the multi-billion-dollar Philippine creative industry not only drives economic growth but also enriches societies, promotes cultural diversity, and fosters innovation.”
“Through this event, we support the Philippine government’s efforts to make the Philippines as ‘Asia’s Premiere Creative Hub’ by 2030 under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act of 2022,” said Consul General Ferrer.
In her video message, Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that the Philippine creative industries delivered P1.94 trillion to the economy in 2024, constituting 7.3% of the country’s GDP and employing 7.51 million individuals—with major contributions from advertising, digital services, and artistic activities.
Assistant Secretary Baluyut added that the Philippine Textile Research Institute posted a 60% increase in R&D investments over the past five years in natural fibers such as piña, abaca, and hablon, which aligns with the DTI’s efforts to position indigenous textiles as key export products.
“The [DTI’s] Malikhaing Pinoy program stands as a pillar of support for our cultural and creative practitioners, Through strategic interventions in innovation, sustainability, and market access, we aim to uplift indigenous artisans, designers, and creatives to enable them to thrive both locally and globally,” Assistant Secretary Baluyut said.
PTIC-SV Trade Commissioner Anne Marie Kristine Umali and Parangal Attire Director & exhibit curator Rex Dela Cruz also gave their remarks.
During their cultural performance, Parangal showcased the linggisan dance of the Sama people, and the pangalay ha aluy, pangalay ha agung and kuntaw dances of the Tausug people, accompanied by live music from indigenous instruments to the delight of the audience.
Among those that were featured in the exhibition included 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.
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. END
Consul General Neil Ferrer delivers his welcome remarks. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Parangal Attire Director and exhibit curator Rex Dela Cruz gives his remarks. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Trade Commissioner Anne Marie Kristine Umali of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley delivers her closing remarks. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Consul General Neil Ferrer with Fil-Am Dublin, California Councilmember John Morada to his left. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Consul General Neil Ferrer engages Dr. Beau Crowley and Dr. Judith Lee of Golden Gate University, and Dr. Xiaohua Yang of the University of San Francisco’s Center for Business Studies and Innovation in the Asia-Pacific. (San Francisco PCG photos)
Consul General Neil Ferrer (4th from right) with officials of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, and Parangal. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Consul General Neil Ferrer (4th from right) with officials of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, and Parangal. (San Francisco PCG photo)
(San Francisco PCG photos)