Official Site of the AlunAlun Dance Circle
Louanne Mae Calipayan performs pangalay with janggay (metal claws).
The activity was in partnership with Filipino Heritage Festival and Marikina City Tourism and Culture Office.
The performance is preceded by a workshop among students and members of youth folk dance groups.
(Photos courtesy of Levi Azarcon and Sukha Valdez)
TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS AND AUDIENCE: 3000, majority were from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina; other participants were teachers from DepEd, selected elementary students, cultural workers of Marikina City, and students from other colleges
The seminar was held at the Teatro Marikina, 89 Shoe Avenue, Marikina City. It is the best location due to its proximity to the target audience.
The Youth Seminar at the Teatro Marikina, here with guest youth performers: UP Tugma (UP College of Music) as musicians and Kalumpang Elementary school students
The seminar-workshop was conceptualized to be: fun, interactive, arts- and performance-oriented, and enlightening. Performing groups were the AlunAlun Dance Circle, Marikina Dance Guild, Batlaya Theater Group, Kalumpang Elementary School students, Young Focus streetchildren, among others.
ADC Staff and dance trainers Mannex Siapno, Joy Ricote, Lyn Literal with their pangalay students who are also members of the Marikina Dance Guild. This is at the lobby of the Teatro Marikina just before their performance of pangalay in the Youth Seminar.
Opening Activities after the Registration: National Anthem, Prayer, and Speech by the Marikina Mayor’s representative.
Why Young People Should Participate in Philippine Art and Culture
By ADC President: Cecilia B. Garrucho
Sana ay mapukaw din ng ating mga diskusyon ang inyong pagkamalikhain—sigurado akong kayang-kaya nyong gumawa ng mga memes, vines, blogs, at vlogs tungkol sa ating kultura, na mas magiging interesante sa bagong henerasyon!
– CB Garrucho
The inspirational talk by Cecilia B. Garrucho was capped by a new and original choreography by ADC, “Bayan Ko,” which was first sung by Atang de la Rama—later a National Artist for Theater—mainly for the underprivileged classes in the 1920s.
Music by Constancio de Guzman and lyrics by Jose Corazon de Jesus, the rendition was sung by a foreign choral group to show how this nationalistic song is likewise appreciated by foreign cultures.
Introduction to Philippines Cinema, Performance: Dances in Philippine Movies
Marikina Dance Guild performed dances in Philippine movies as a prelude to the talk and discussion on Philippine Cinema.
2nd Lecture-Discussion: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Role of Philippine Cinema and Film Artists in Shaping the Nation and Filipino Identity, with Focus on the Current Situation and Issues in the 21st Century
PROF. PATRICK F. CAMPOS
He is an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines (UP) Film Institute, the director of the Office of Research of the UP College of Mass Communication, and a member of the cinema committee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines. He is a coauthor of Communication and Media Theories (2014), and the author of From Cave to Cloud (2016) and The End of National Cinema: Filipino Film at the Turn of the Century (2016).
Parade of costumes and material culture as visual expression by the AlunAlun Dance Circle and Marikina Dance Guild
3rd Lecture-Discussion: 1:30-3:30 pm
Artists and their Artworks that Helped Build Filipino Identity and a Sense of Nationhood
Lecturer-facilitator: DR. ROBERTO G. PAULINO
He is an associate professor at the Department of Art Studies, College of Arts and Letters in UP Diliman, where he also obtained his doctorate degree in Philippine Studies. He is the recipient of the Washington Sycip Award for Best General Education Learning Material conferred by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines. He is coauthor of The Life and Art of Botong Francisco, 2009.
Dr. Paulino engaged the participants with insights about major art works in Philippine visual arts which date back in precolonial times.
Closing Performance on the 1st day: New Pangalay Choreography performed by Students from Kalumpang Elementary School
The girls of Kalumpang Elementary School performed a new choreography, an original composed and sung by Ryan Caybyab, “Kumukuti-kutitap.” The lively Christmas song is choreographed using the pangalay movement vocabulary. Dancers wear the janggay or metal claws. Teacher Mannex Siapno dances with members of Kalumpang Elementary School (KES), “Kumukuti-kutitap” as a pre-Christmas, happy dance number.
Some members of the Marikina Dance Guild joined the KES children at the finale of the song—a colorful and festive ending for the first say of the youth seminar.
27 November 2017, Monday (Day 2)
1st Lecture: 9:00-10:30 am
Spoken Word as a Literary Form of the Filipino Youth
Featured Artists: WORDS ANONYMOUS
Henry Igna and Louise Meets of Words Anonymous gave their talk about spoken word with their own theatrical performances. Then after their lecture about spoken word, they encouraged participants to create their own spoken word pieces through some writing exercises. The facilitators were impressed with the rich sharing of spoken word creations by the audience. The workshop ended with a performance of the lecturers.
Intermission and Introduction to the Second Session:
To introduce the next lecture on Philippine Music was a performance of Langka Silat by Boys from KES boys and Young Focus. Arafa Biste of AlunAlun danced with his trainees in Langka Silat, a martial art tradition. Gloc 9’s “The Bobo Song” was performed by boys of Kalumpang Elementary School and out-of-school boys of Young Focus who are either streetchildren or scavengers of the dumpsite in Tondo, Manila.
2nd Session in Day 2: 10:40 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mula Noon Hanggang sa Ika-21 Siglo: Ang Makapangyarihang Papel ng mga Musikero at ang Kanilang Musika para sa Pagbabago ng Lipunang Pilipino
Lecturer-facilitator: Prof. ARWIN Q. TAN
He studied choral conducting and musicology at the University of the Philippines, College of Music, and graduated magna cum laude of class 2000. He is an assistant professor at the UP College of Music under the Department of Musicology. Prof. Tan is the founder and choirmaster of the multi-awarded Novo Concertante Manila. He was given an Ani ng Dangal award by the NCCA in 2012.
Prof. Tan’s lecture-demonstration focused on the beauty and complexity of indigenous music in the Northern and Southern Philippines. He underlined the importance of music in the lives of Filipinos – in healing, in preparing for war, in celebrations, in all aspects of life. The participants had a chance to play musical instruments and follow the local rhythms of the indigenous peoples. He ended by teaching the melody of an indigenous song and instructing about round singing of a Cordillera folk song.
LUNCH BREAK
Introduction to the Session on Philippine Architecture: A Drama Performance
Dramatization:
Beginnings of River Settlements by the Marikina River up to the Birth of the Shoe Industry (from Jesus dela Peña Church to Kapitan Moy Heritage House) by the Batlaya Theater Guild of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina
Below: A scene from the theater presentation about the evolution of community settlements in Marikina.
3rd Lecture-Discussion 1:45 – 3:30 pm
Protecting Architectural Heritage as the Symbol of the People’s Culture and Identity
Lecturer-Facilitator: EDGAR ALLAN M. SEMBRANO
A passionate cultural heritage advocate, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in 2004. He is a regular contributor in the Lifestyle section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, writing on cultural heritage and the arts. He is a Master of Arts candidate of the Cultural Heritage Studies program of the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School and the associate editor of the Architecture Volume of the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, second edition.
Mr. Sembrano explained the criteria in determining the significance of built structures and natural sites with some information about controversial issues. He discussed the various challenges and causes of destruction of heritage sites such as natural causes like disasters and man-made causes like over-tourism, over-development, and big business. To make the participants understand the significance of Philippine architectural design, he asked a group of students to build a modular puzzle modelled after the Maranao torogan, with some time pressure.
Mr. Sembrano gave importance to heritage conservation and how the community achieves sustainable development for its own people.
28 November 2017, Tuesday (Day 3)
Performance to introduce the session on Philippine Theater:
Tawti (a mimetic dance on fishing) performed by the male dancers of Marikina Theater Guild who were trained by the AlunAlun Dance Circle
Live kulintangan ensemble music by UP Tugma (College of Music)
Male dancers of Marikina Dance Guild performs Tauti which the AlunAlun Dance Circle taught them in the course of the pangalay workshop with them in October 2017. Tauti is a mimetic dance that imitates how fishermen catch catfish.
UP TUGMA, college students from UP College of Music
Lecture-Discussion 9:30 – 11:30:
The Role of Philippine Theater Traditions in the Shaping of National Identity, with focus on current issues in the 21st Century
Lecturer-facilitator: DR. JERRY RESPETO
He is the director of the Fine Arts Program of the School of Humanities of the Ateneo de Manila University. He translated many plays into Filipino, such as Ateneo ENTABLADO’s La Mandragola into Ang Birheng Matimtiman (2006) and Tanghalang Pilipino’s The Crucible into Ang Pag-uusig (2017). He directed Ateneo ENTABLADO’s Labaw Donggon: Ang Banog ng Sanlibutan (2013), Sandaang Panaginip (2015), and Batang Rizal (2017). He was awarded as Outstanding Junior Teacher by the Ateneo Schools Parents Council in 2010.
Dr. Jerry Respeto’s talk on Philippine Theater was very enlightening and entertaining. He posed many questions that were enthusiastically answered by the participants.Dr. Respeto talked about dramatic forms and important plays throughout Philippine history.
LUNCH BREAK
Performance: Pangalay by AlunAlun Dance Circle with UP TUGMA and Marikina Dance Guild
1:15 – 2:45: Film Showing: “Ang Kuwento ng mga Aninong Sumasayaw” about the pangalay dance style and how it is connected with Filipino identity — Pagtuklas ng Sarili Bilang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng Katutubong Sayaw (Discovering the Filipino Identity through Traditional Dance)
Lecturer: DR. LIGAYA FERNANDO AMILBANGSA
A Ramon Magsasay Awardee in 2015, she is the pioneer researcher, leading advocate, and a master teacher, choreographer, and performer of pangalay (also known as igal or pansak), a little-known traditional dance style of the Sulu Archipelago. Her two books on the ethnic dances and cultural artifacts of the region are Pangalay: Traditional Dances and Related Folk Artistic Expressions (1983) and Ukkil: Visual Arts of the Sulu Archipelago (2006). In 2016 she was conferred the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, by the Far Eastern University, for her untiring leadership and invaluable contributions to Philippine culture and the arts.
Short Lecture-discussion with Audience Participation: Dr. Ligaya Fernando Amilbanga
3:00 p.m. – Closing Ceremonies and Giving of Certificates
Led by Emcee and ADC Board Member Dr. Pacita Gavino and ADC Artistic Director Ligaya Fernando Amilbangsa
The Youth Seminar was truly successful. The theater was jam-packed in all the sessions. The young people listened attentively and participated in the discussions.
4:00 pm Performance: Medley of Folk Songs by the SDO Marikina Himig Kawayan
The delightful medley of songs was a celebratory ending to the successful three-day seminar workshop.
After the three-day seminar-workshop, some of the organizers, staff, volunteers, dancers, technicians posed for souvenir photos and selfies.
PERFORMANCE IN UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES, DILIMAN CAMPUS
UP Diliman, GT Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, 28 Feb 2017
The occasion was the closing of UP Diliman Month. It was a successful performance among the academe and the top administrators of the state university.
The 15-minute performance consisted of What is Pangalay, focusing on the Philippines as a water culture. Dancers: Nannette Matilac, Temay Padero, Pacita Gavino, Joy Ricote-Cruz, Jimo Angeles, Levi Azarcon, Mannex Siapno; Choreographer and director: Ligaya Amilbangsa.
Venue: GT Toyota Asian Center Auditorium.
[DUE TO THE NATIONWIDE TRANSPORT STRIKE ON MONDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2017, ROOSEVELT COLLEGE HAD TO POSTPONE THE PERFORMANCE. ]
This production titled WATER SYMPHONY was sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partnership with the AlunAlun Dance Circle. The rescheduled performance on 6 Mar 2017 was very successful, attended by roughly 1000 students from Roosevelt College, Rodriguez, Rizal Province. The school also invited public school students from the municipality. Since all the chairs were occupied, many had to stand or sit on the floor.
It coincided with the inauguration of the new covered court of the school, with a capacity of 1200. The school administration headed by Mrs. Citas Alcantara was very excited that a pangalay performance to commemorate National Arts Month was the first activity in the covered court.
Significance of Water
Water is the precious gift of our planet to us, without which no life can exist. Nothing is as fresh, pure, and life-giving as water. Pangalay is an indigenous dance with an intimate relationship to water. Among coastal settlers and houseboat communities of the Sulu Archipelago in Southern Philippines, pangalay flourished as a lively expression of their close connection with nature. As this connection is gradually being lost, so is pangalay in danger of vanishing altogether.
Water Symphony is a celebration of life through dance. Pangalay reminds us that we come from a water culture. With each step we want to reconnect with the power and mystery of water. We want to allow water to speak through our movements. When we listen to water revealing its secrets, we learn more about who we are.
What is Pangalay?
This is an annotated demonstration of the refined aesthetics of pangalay gestures and postures, accompanied by costumes of everyday life among the Tau Sug, Badjaw, Sama and Jama Mapun groups of the Sulu Archipelago. In the photo from left: Lyndie Literal, Ligaya Amilbangsa (director/choreographer), Nannette Matilac.
Mutya ng Pasig (Muse of the Pasig River)
The dance is about a mysterious woman living on the banks of the Pasig River. She is the muse of the Pasig River who laments the imminent death of the river due to pollution and criminal neglect. With music by Nicanor Abelardo and rendition by Sylvia la Torre and dancers (from left) Lyndie Literal, Ligaya Amilbangsa, Nannette Matilac, Joy Ricote-Cruz.
Below the Waves
Since time immemorial, humans are drawn to the sea. The seascapes of the Philippines are formed and maintained by the interaction with human activities. As a tribute to the seas and oceans that sustain human life in our world, we bring you Below the Waves, with percussion music by African water drummers. Dancers from left: Joy Ricote-Cruz, Lyndie Literal, Mannex Siapno
Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (Cradle Song)
Water is a magical element sustaining an unborn child in his mother’s womb and accompanying the baby’s emergence into the world. Pangalay’s gentle and soothing movements are well-suited for this vignette of a mother’s healing and nurturing nature, like water quenching our primal thirst for love. Music by National Artist Lucio San Pedro; Lyrics by National Artist Levi Celerio; Rendition by Regine Velasquez. Solo dance by Nannette Matilac
Power of Water
Water as Creator/Destroyer within the intermittent character of nature is depicted in choreography based on Tawti (dance of the fisherman), Langka (martial dance), and Linggisan (bird dance) which are all pangalay variants. Music for this dance is titled Pamugun by National Artist Francisco Feliciano and sung by the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
Dancers fr left: Jimo Angeles, Lyn Literal, Joy Ricote-Cruz, Ligaya Amilbangsa, Nannette Matilac, Mannex Siapno.
Open Forum and Audience Participation
The last semester of 2016 was a full of significant events and projects. Among the highlights were a performance prayer in Malacañan Palace during the period of Ramadhan in pursuit of the peace process, a performance tour in four Asian countries to promote cultural diplomacy, an NCCA-sponsored dance workshop among 80 young people in Marikina City with the theme of saving the environment, and meaningful performances in various venues with multisectoral and multi-cultural audiences.
June 9, 2016. Pangalay as the Opening Interfaith Prayer in Malacañan Palace on the ocassion of the launch of “Junctures,” a collection of selected speeches and statements on the Bangsamoro Peace Process from 2012 to 2016. Venue at Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace, 5 p.m. H.E. President Benigno S. Aquino III was the distinguished guest with the diplomatic corps, media, academe, and other sectoral representatives. Dancers were Mannex Siapno and Nannette Matilac, assisted by Levi Azarcon as technical person.
You may click link to the video recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6ttwLgIMXw&feature=share
June 17, 2016. AlunAlun Dance Circle performed in the Department of Foreign Affair’s “Pamana ng Kalayaan” at the DFA Auditorium 6:00 p.m. The cocktail event attended by the diplomatic community was to commemorate both Heritage Month in May and Philippine Independence anniversary in June. The participants were Ligaya Amilbangsa, CB Garrucho, Mariel Francisco, Nannette Matilac, Gemely Amar, Temay Padero, Lyndie Literal, Jimo Angeles, Mannex Siapno, and Levi Azarcon. Technical supervisor for music and visual projection: Milabel CristobalMilabel Cristobal. Lights supervision by Loren Rivera.
June 21, 2016. Dance number to grace the Opening Ceremony of the “Culture and Art Exhibition” of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) at Rustan’s Makati at 6:00 p.m. The dancers were Gemely Amar and Lyn Literal assisted by Milabel Cristobal.
June 20 to 30, 2016. Water Symphony is the title of the pangalay concert performed in four countries in Asia: India, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Cultural Diplomacy unit, the venues of the pangalay concerts were as follows:
August 24, 2016. “Pangalay Dance on Arts Online” was made possible by the CCP Arts Education Department through the Audience Development Division. The Arts Online CCP Lecture Series is a “bi-weekly video stream of educational materials for arts enthusiasts and students, and for greater understanding of Philippine arts and culture.” The talk which lasted for over 40 minutes featured the lecture of Ligaya Amilbangsa moderated by Abner Delina Jr. Ten (10) high school sites from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were linked to the pangalay lecture via live streaming.
September 29, 2016. The Museum Volunteers of the Philippines (MVP) sponsored a dinner activity among its members in Forbes Park residence. The evening event was highlighted by a talk on pangalay with dance demonstration and audience participation. The lecturer was Ligaya Amilbangsa with Mariel Francisco and Mannex Siapno as facilitators.
October to November 2017. Some 82 young people with ages 8 to 17 participated in weekend pangalay workshops starting on 8 October. Venue was at the covered court of Kalumpang Elementary school. The workshop curriculum is based on the Amilbangsa Instruction Method of teaching pangalay. The head of the instructors was Sarah Lumba. Pangalay teachers were Jimo Angeles, Mannex Siapno, and Temay Padero.
November 17, 2016. Roosevelt College System branch in Cainta sponsored a three-hour session about pangalay starting at 8:00 a.m. This is in line with the vision of reviving the folk dance group of the college. The documentary, Ang Pagbabalik sa Tawi-Tawi— the story on how pangalay was documented and preserved satrting in the late 1960s, was shown to the students, followed by a dance demonstration. Assisting Ligaya Amilbangsa in this event was Jimo Angeles and Lyndie Literal.
December 5, 2016. Likhang Sining Bayan: Alay sa Kalikasan is the title of the pangalay show with the them of saving the environment. The performance is the outcome of the NCCA-sponsored workshop. Performance at the Manila City Hall, 8:00 a.m. : There were at least 1500 spectators at the Flag Ceremony performance on 5 December 2016. The government employees of Marikina City applauded the young dancers who gave a meaningful performance with “Panalangin ng Kabataan ng Marikina para sa Kalikasan” and “Bubuyog at Paruparo.” This was followed by a special show at the Teatro Marikina by 10:00 a.m.
December 10, 2016. The ADC members and he Likhang Sining Bayan workshop participants were invited by Marikina City to perform at the Marikina Sports Center during the Rehiyon-Rehiyon Festival. This is the annual cultural event of Marikina City consisting of competitive street dances and other performances.
December 20, 2016. Many participants of Likhang Sining Bayan are students of KES. Therefore, the school principal, parents, teachers and other students who were all curious of workshop’s outcome anticipated the pangalay segment. The pangalay choreographies consisted the first part of the program after the speeches of KES officers.
The AlunAlun Dance Circle continues to fulfill its mission of promoting intangible cultural heritage through the conservation and promotion of pangalay which is also known as igal and pansak among the indigenous groups of Southern Philippines.
Ligaya Amilbangsa wearing mask in a performance at the CCP Little Theater on the occaion of ALAB NCCA in April 2016. Photo courtesy of NCCA.
January 15, 2016. Pangalay Suite for the East West Center and the East West Center Alumni Association, Philippine Chapter. Venue was at the Pandanggo and Polkabal function rooms of the Manila Hotel, Roxas Boulevard. The production was made possible with Ligaya Amilbangsa as choreographer and dancer. Dancers: Nannette Matilac, Joy Ricote, Sarah Lumba, Mannex Siapno, Levi Azarcon, Sarri Tapales, and Lyn Literal; technical supervisor for music and visual projection: Milabel Cristobal.
January 28, 2016. At the Dusit Hotel, the ADC graced the Launch of Demoncratic Party Development Bangsamoro (DEPAdev) sponsored by the European Union, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Philippines Office and the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG). The performers: Ligaya Amilbangsa, Nannette Matilac, Temay Padero, Lyn Literal, Mannex Siapno, and Levi Azarcon.
February 5, 2016. De La Salle University (DLSU) invited the ADC to perform two shows under the Action Program of DLSU Culture and Arts Office. Each presentation started with the lecture-demonstration titled “What is Pangalay?”. The intention of the program is to provide informative and entertaining performances which will enrich the awareness of DLSU students about the arts. Each show lasted for 20 minutes followed by open forum and interaction with the audience. ADC members who participated in this worthwhile activity: Ligaya Amilbangsa, Louanne Calipayan, Punch Gavino, Temay Padero, Mannex Siapno, Lyn Literal with Milabel Cristobal as technical person.
March 11, 2016. On the Occasion of Women’s Month 2016, the Barangay San Lorenzo and the AlunAlun Dance Circle (ADC) presented “Pangalay ng Bayan: Alay sa Kababaihan 2016, Celebrating Women Through Dance.” This was open to the public with venue at the Covered Court of San Lorenzo Village. It showcased ADC’s innovations to keep pangalay relevant and appealing to contemporary audiences. These include the use of masks, rhythmic sounds, improvised costumes, puppets, different types of musical accompaniment, and props, without losing the intrinsic character of pangalay. There was good interaction with the audience during the Open Forum after the performance. The ADC members who joined this show: Ligaya Amilbangsa, CB Garrucho, Louanne Calipayan, Mariel Francisco, Temay Padero, Milabel Cristobal, Lyn Literal, Mannex Siapno, and Levi Azarcon.
March 20, 2016. Original pangalay choreographies in harmony with the theme of Filipinas provided a fitting opening to the launch of the FILIPINAS exhibition at the 4th Floor of the National Museum (old Finance Building), 5 p.m. FILIPINAS photo exhibit features images of distinguished Filipino women by Isa Lorenzo which was first shown at the CCP in 2006. Ligaya Amilbangsa’s portrait is one of the 30 outstanding Filipinas. FILIPINAS was also exhibited at the UNESCO (Paris) in 2007 and at the Philippine Embassy in Brussels in 2008.
April 28, 2016. ALAB NCCA: The 29th Anniversary Recognition Night, described as “a night of recognition for the tireless cultural workers and a showcase of talent in celebration of the NCCA’s anniversary.” Ligaya Amilbangsa, with the ADC male dancers Jimo Angeles and Mannex Siapno, regaled the occasion with an innovative choreography. Venue was at the Little Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, 5:00 pm.
Below: The women of AlunAlun performing at FILIPINAS launch, March 20, 2016.
April-May 2016. This marks the start of the project with Museum Volunteers of the Philippines (MVP). The volunteer organization gave a small grant to ADC to implement a project on preserving the craft of making traditiona garments among the Badjao. This is an important project because it aims to encourage the remaining artisans to continue their craft. Project runs until first quarter of 2017.
BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi- Ms. LIgaya Fernando-Amilbangsa presented a paper on Igal/ Pangalay on the first day of the 1 st International Conference on the Sama Badjao (Sama Dilaut) held at the Marine Science Museum of the MSU Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. The conference, which was held from December 1-3, 2015, had the theme: Sea-bound and Cross-borders Maritime Commerce and Sea-faring Lifeways of the Sama Dilaut in Tawi-Tawi.
Ms. Amilbangsa was assigned to give a lecture on the topic, “Negotiation and Accommodation of Igal as Aesthetic and Performative Ritual.” In her lecture, she highlighted the accomplishments of the Sama Dilaut and noted that igal “asserts the ethnic legitimacy of the Sama Dilaut in a community of strongly-held customs and prejudices, but inhibits social stratification in dance… thus, igal has a dignifying effect and serves as a unifying force among the natives.
Ms. Amilbangsa further observed that while the continued marginalization of the Sama Dilaut brings with it the decline of igal as an aesthetic and performative ritual, there was a “ray of hope” in the recently-held Kamahardikaan Festival, that “seemed to glorify the Sama Dilaut ancestry, judging from the focus on the lepa (houseboat), and igal symbolic of their aesthetic and performative competence.”
Wrapping up her lecture, Ms. Amilbangsa shared her fervent hopes that future festivals “will not only be for show, but a beginning with a happy and meaningful continuity—which will translate into a better socio-economic deal for the Sama Dilaut or Badjaw of the Sulu Archipelago.”
On the second day of the conference, “Memories of the Sea,” a documentary about the Badjaw in Roxas Boulevard, Manila by Ms. Nannette Matilac was shown to the participants.
The three-day workshop was very successful, and generated a lot of interest from the participants, who represented various stakeholder groups.
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BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi- On Sept. 25, 2015, the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi again recognized the contribution of Ms. Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa to the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the province during the Agal-Agal Festival program held at the DepEd Compound as part of its 2nd annual Kamahardikaan celebration.
Immediately before the awarding, Dr. Filemon G. Romero, Chairman of the Agal-Agal Festival Committee, read Resolution No. 19 s. 2015which granted Ms. Amilbangsa the Life Achievement Award as a Tawi-Tawian. The resolution stated that Ms. Amilbangsa is “considered a Tawi-Tawian,” due to her marrying Datu Punjungan Amilbangsa and her having lived a major portion of her life in Sitangkai, Simunul, and Bongao. It also recalled that in 2011, she was awarded the Most Outstanding Tawi-Tawian in the field of culture and arts due to her contribution in the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the province as the founder of MSU TCTO Tambuli Cultural Troupe, which still continues to preserve the authenticity of the native dances and music of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
The resolution also mentioned her authoring two books: Pangalay: Traditional Dances and Related Folk Artistic Expressions, and Ukkil: the Visual Arts of the Sulu Archipelago, as well as her developing a dance vocabulary and methodology to teach Pangalay to non-native dancers. Finally, the resolution also cited Ms. Amilbangsa’s having received a Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2015.
Officials from the different towns of the province looked on as Ms. Amilbangsa was conferred the “Lifetime Achievement Award to a Tawi-Tawian.” Ms. Amilbangsa graciously accepted the award with a speech amid a colorful sea of dancers and boat-inspired floats.
After the awarding ceremonies, participating municipalities showcased the rich cultural traditions of Tawi-Tawi through their dance showdown pieces highlighting different aspects of their culture, as well as the important role of the Agal-agal (seaweed) industry. Among the board of judges for the street dance competition and dance showdown were Ms. Amilbangsa’s former and present Pangalay dancers: Hja. Sakinur-Ain Delasas, who is now the Artistic Director of the Tambuli Cultural Troupe; Mahail Hadjan, who founded another cultural troupe, the Jama Sambatau; and Louanne Mae Calipayan, who is with Ms Amilbangsa’s Manila-based group, the AlunAlun Dance Circle.