Nearly a decade since the founding
members of Parangal Dance Company assembled to establish the mission
of inspiring the preservation of Philippine culture in the Bay Area,
our family of artists has significantly broadened its reach and
resources to continue that mission along. We have set a standard for
presentation, research methodology and dissemination of the cultural
artifacts of music, attire, dance, and ritual practices. Our
endeavors are encouraging audiences to hear the echo of the
archipelago's past and heed its present struggle to remain relevant
and unhindered by global forces that threaten the health of its
multitude of sub-cultures. We strive to honor what has been and is
already there, setting aside unnecessary and extraneous invention
that comes easily to creatives in efforts at true preservation.
I still feel so new to it all even now,
often reminiscing the day I first witnessed the company's
performance under the dome in City Hall, excitedly emailing an
inquiry regarding my eligibility to join almost immediately
afterwards, too nervous to ask in person. I recall the palpable
anxiety of standing in the back of a packed workshop on my first
night, not knowing a single soul. We were thrown immediately into
the sequence of moves (we all now recognize as the Maguindanao Kuntaw
choreography), with me fully cognizant of the long decade between
that moment and the last time I stood barefoot on a cultural
performance floor, during my time with the Penn State Filipino
Association. I remember the warmth and passion of the leaders that
commanded that room. I remember the welcome that resonated with the
members who stepped forward and made themselves available. I
shuddered in fear of my inevitable debut performance at Pistahan (I
had to carry the flags). But mostly, I recall the relief and
elation that there was this home-base, this available source, for the
practice of Filipino dance and music by a committed group of talented
and experienced individuals who may or may not have ever known what
the absence of that in the life of a Filipino-American like myself
can do to our sense of identity, lost in the great melting pot.
I really only craved a new social scene
and a place for consistent exercise when I signed on.
But that's just not how the company
operates. The family aspect demolishes any pretense or misconception
that this endeavor can be just simply 'something to do.' Little did
I know that my involvement would then pervade other departments of my
life that I didn't know needed bolstering: artistry and creative
license, time management, social engagement, community activism, and
the honoring of our heritage. Inspiration flowed freely from an
adopted commitment to artistic excellence. Education about our
culture came, not only from the company's repertoire, but from its
involvement in the greater global dialogue, especially with the
indigenous communities from which Eric derives and adapts our
vocabulary and choreography. Preservation results from the continued
passion and integrity of our leaders and artists, in practice and
performance. Discovery is felt even in the moments right before we
hit any stage; the revelation that we can echo the voices of those
far away who are ignored or forgotten, to create and be a part of
something greater than ourselves.
And now, the company is enjoying an
inevitable phase of growth through its series of tours that have
crossed numerous borders, both physically and figuratively,
establishing a profile in the global scene as a formidable source of
cultural education. We have to recognize, in the shock of stepping
foot on major and prestigious stages the world over, that it doesn't
only call for our continuation of that mission, but also signals us
that the mission is, in fact, working.
And so is laid the foundation for the
sophomore decade of Parangal we are preparing for. It will be an
investigation into the generations that will follow strong footsteps,
a true reflection on the longevity and perseverance of this important
mission, and a rewarding effort to continue being an important and
resounding voice, in a world filled with noise. Happy 9th
Anniversary to The Parangal Dance Company, and a special thanks to
Eric Solano, the founding members and the executive board for giving
us an avenue for our creativity and the space through which we can
explore our people's rich heritage and share equally in their
struggles and celebrations.
Earth Shattering Revelation #35: Get lost in your heritage.
Current Music: Lupa Sug
