Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

FILIPINOS, wherever they may be in the world, have their ways to uplift Philippine culture and introduce it to non-Filipinos. Parangal Dance Company, a Philippine folk dance company based in San Francisco has the same mission—to preserve and promote the Filipino heritage through their performances and presence in the Filipino-American community.

"We hope and aim to entertain, inspire, encourage and educate the Filipino-Americans and diverse communities so that they can gain a better understanding and appreciation of Philippine life, culture and tradition," said Eric Solano, Parangal’s Artistic Director and Choreographer. "We don’t limit ourselves to certain performances, if only because we enjoy sharing our passion and what knowledge we do have of the culture with others."

Eric feels that they have accomplished this mission during Parangal’s free workshops and performances, where they provide demos, a background/description, the origin of dances, costumes and music, as well as audience participation. Also they continue to research with experts and resources, read available literature to increase their knowledge and share this to the community in the Bay Area.

"We also achieve our mission by having the opportunity to guide and teach University of San Francisco’s Kasamahan and San Francisco State University’s PACE in preparation of their yearly Philippine Cultural Night," Eric said and added, "We are able to work with many young Filipino-Americans who are very enthusiastic and interested in learning Philippine culture."

Parangal’s dance suites include folk dances from the various Philippine regions and indigenous groups from the Cordillera, Bangsamoro, the Lumads, Maria Clara and Pistahan. This shows the wide variety of performances they can offer their audience.

Eric explained that while most of Parangal’s dances are inspired by the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and Sining Kumintang ng Batangas, and their dance choreographies need theatrics to serve as entertainment, they strive to respect and portray different indigenous groups correctly.

Recently, Parangal participated in the 31st Annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, hosted by the World Arts West. Parangal auditioned for the first time last January, showcasing Lumad or indigenous dances of Bagobo, Blaan, T’boli, and Mandaya and Mindanao. Out of the 104 groups that auditioned, only 37 were chosen to represent their countries. They were also chosen by World Arts West to promote Parangal and the festival with a one-hour live TV broadcast at Pacifica Community TV Channel 26 last June 9. Because of this opportunity given by the World Arts West, Parangal has received great feedbacks from fans, their families, friends and audience, as well as receive invitations to perform out of state.

Last July, Parangal decided to join the Las Vegas World Folk Festival. Eric knew that it was a competition, but did not inform the company until June. He entered Parangal for one competition category out of over ten categories, but did not expect anything out of it. It was a complete surprise when the judges chose Parangal as 1st place Best Performing Group. And because of this achievement, Parangal will be representing the state of California and the Philippines at an upcoming festival in Puerto Rico next year.

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