The International Dance Day Festival from 22-26 April 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati featured a weeklong celebration of dance with local and international performers across folk, street, ballet, and contemporary genres. Audiences were treated to an exhilarating and emotional culture and arts festivity that captured the imagination, effectively acting as a much-needed shot of anesthesia against the mundane stresses of daily life. The festival was organized by Ayala Land, Inc.,
Ayala Corporation, Make It Makati, Circuit Makati, and Samsung Performing Arts Theater with the Ayala Foundation and Steps Dance Foundation. The Folk Dance Gala on April 23, curated by Ronnie Mirabuena, served as one of the definitive highlights
of the week, proving that when it comes to heritage, our cultural roots require no cosmetic alteration.
AlunAlun Dance Circle (ADC) and Marikina Culture and the Arts Council-Marikina Dance Guild (MDG) performed the innovative Prelude Etnika and Paglami-lami (Celebration) choreographed by Ligaya Amilbangsa, ADC artistic Director. MDG is led by Elenita Cruz, the group’s artistic director and founder. Prelude Etnika and Paglami-lami (Celebration) exhibits tradition and transformation of the pangalay or “igal” — an indigenous dance of the Sama, Badjaw, Tausug, and Jama Mapun; the Yakan call the dance pamansak. Prelude Etnika is a contemporary choreography that preserves the intrinsic character of the pangalay/igal movement vocabulary, vividly portraying seascape images and situations set to the eponymous composition of Lucrecia R. Kasilag, National Artist in Music. Paglami-lami (Celebration) features traditional pagalay/igal variants danced to kulintangan music during a community celebration. Costumes, properties, and music sustain the authentic character of the living tradition.
The performance featured a surprise, show-stopping appearance by ADC’s artistic director, Prof. Ligaya Fernando Amilbangsa—a living treasure of Philippine dance whose presence on stage commanded immediate reverence. From the warm applause of the audience, the spectators were moved by the integrity of the movements and the poignant sociocultural and sociopolitical messages woven into the repertoire. One banner paraded as part of the community scenario which read “Atin ang West Philippine Sea!” sent a clear and defiant message to everyone present in the theatre. The elemental energy of the pangalay/igal, unfolding through its varied sub-genres, carried the audience beyond the stage into the pulse of a traditional kampong or community by the sea. Dancers—aged from 10 to 83, of every form and figure—moved in rhythm with breath itself.
The performance embodied the inclusive spirit at the heart of Amilbangsa’s choreography. Performers showcased the pureness of dance, proving that while the pangalay tradition demands rigorous skill, technique, and knowledge, its soul remains fundamentally accessible and organic. The choreography also demonstrated the effectiveness of the Amilbangsa Instructional Method (AIM) in
teaching the dance to learners from age 4 to 84. The AIM is a modern, systematic approach in learning ancient traditional movement. It reminded the audience that dance in its sincere and pure form transcends age, gender, race, shape, or size.
Prelude Etnika and Paglami-lami (Celebration)
Choreographer: Ligaya F. Amilbangsa
ADC Dancers:
Ligaya Amilbangsa, Rosalie “Nannette” Matilac, Jimo Angeles, Louanne Mae Calipayan, Ayana “Roni”
Matilac, Thelma “Temay” Padero, Roselier Levi Azarcon, Apolonio “Apo” Chua
MDG Dancers:
Rizza Erika Cruz, Jeordell Cadag, Jamaica Saligao, Dwight Celoza, Krishia Caye Jhaira Moreno;
Young pangalay beginners: Hanzel Angela C. Zantua, James Liam C. Lu, Given Grace M. Yano, Nhadel P.
Del Rosario, Eumi A. Macanas, Zach Yohan Juertas, Yourie Aggelos L. Franco
Renz Cruz (photographer), Reinier Emil Cruz (videographer)
Leave a Reply