Young Filipino Americans in San Francisco Learn the Art of Pangalay
Some of the participants perform the Pangalay with Mr. Eric Solano (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – In celebration of the National Heritage Month, the Philippine Consulate, in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation International, through its Managing Director Elisa Cabahug and Mr. Eric Solano of Parangal Dance Company conducted a cultural dance workshop on 12 May 2026 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, San Francisco.
The cultural dance workshop was actively participated in by middle school students from the Bessie Carmichael Middle School in San Francisco, headed by their teacher Ms. Lara Balajadia, high school students from Westmoor High school in Daly City, and Marina Middle School in San Francisco.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon highlighted the National Heritage Month’s theme, “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future”, noting that it “reminds us that understanding and preserving our heritage strengthens identity and connections across generations. It also encourages our communities, especially our youth, to carry our traditions forward as we shape a shared future together.”
Mr. Eric Solano and Ms. Lara Balajadia, a Fil-Am teacher from Big Bessie demonstrating the basic steps of Pangalay (San Francisco PCG photo)
During the workshop, Mr. Solano showcased the Tausug’s traditional attire, accessories, and other cultural items, encouraging the students to inspect and try the items on. Following a short video presentation about his immersion experience with the Tausug community in Sulu, he introduced the Pangalay dance, a traditional Tausug dance known for its graceful, wave-like hand movements and gliding footwork. After demonstrating each basic movement, he invited all participants to perform the dance together as a group, followed by presentations from smaller groups of students wearing the traditional Tausug attire.
After the event, the participants gave positive feedback, expressing their appreciation to Mr. Solano for the informative, engaging, and dynamic session.
The activity is part of the Consulate’s cultural initiative aimed at engaging young Filipino Americans in learning about and experiencing their cultural heritage, while instilling in them a sense of pride and appreciation for their identity.END
Above: Participants having fun dancing Pangalay during the group activity (San Francisco PCG photo)
Below: Participants dancing the Pangalay wearing traditional attire (San Francisco PCG photos)
Below: Traditional attires of Tausugs; Mr. Eric Solano showing a tutup, a typical food cover by Tausugs (San Francisco PCG photos)
