The AlunAlun Dance Circle’s “Pangalay at Maskara” returns to the historic Far Eastern University (FEU) Auditorium in Manila in time for the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Month this October.

“Pangalay” (also known as “igal” and “pamansak”) is a living heritage that originates from the indigenous peoples of southern Philippines, namely the Sama, Badjao, Jama Mapun, Tausug, and Yakan.

The show, to be held in cooperation with FEU on Oct. 28, starting at 4 p.m., is a rare occasion to witness how the unique and versatile dance form is utilized to choreograph the compositions of National Artists and other iconic musicians, aside from the traditional kulintangan ensemble.

The AlunAlun Dance Circle (ADC) is a nonprofit dance organization dedicated to upholding cultural appreciation of the indigenous people of the southern Philippines through preserving, conserving, and propagating the pangalay.

Careful innovation in the stage presentations of their dance traditions like pangalay and “langka” (martial art dances) are incorporated through the Asian tradition of wearing masks in creating choreography. 

Traditionally, the choreography is integrated into contemporary themes, utilizing pop music and various compositions for the public to appreciate the dance traditions, especially for the new generation.

Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, who founded the ADC, is also the artistic director and master choreographer for the group. Gorn and raised in Marikina in 1943 when it was then a municipality of Rizal province, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from FEU in 1962. 

Fernando-Amilbangsa is a recipient of FEU’s Most Outstanding Alumna in 2007, the Most Outstanding Artist of Tawi Tawi Award of 2011, and the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for safeguarding pangalay as a precious component of Filipino heritage and a living link to other Asian dance cultures. 

In 2019, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines gave her the Gawad Yamang Isip award.

Through the decades since 1969, Fernando-Amilbangsa committed her life to patiently documenting the Sulu Archipelago’s dances and their allied expressions, teaching dance with a method she developed, and choreographing performances. 

In 1983, her 13-year research book titled “Pangalay: Traditional Dance and Related Folk Artist Expressions” was adjudged the best art book by the Manila Critics Circle.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience and appreciate this significant component of Philippine heritage as presented by a highly respected cultural icon in the FEU Auditorium, 

The FEU Auditorium, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is recognized for its cultural and architectural significance, notably its Art Deco design and historical importance. The theater was designed by National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio and was the premier cultural center of the Philippines in the 1950s. 

The cultural event is free. Register at https://forms.office.com/r/hkWfHPgRSR