San Francisco exhibit pays tribute to Filipino indigenous women
Photo from San Francisco PCG
SAN FRANCISCO – A unique exhibition celebrating National Women’s Month pays tribute to the Philippines’ indigenous women.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco has partnered with Filipino performing arts group Parangal for a month-long, one-of-a-kind exhibition titled “Paraluman: A Tribute to the Indigenous Women of the Philippines.”
The cultural exhibit, the first to be held at the Consulate this year, is also the very first major exhibition by Parangal, formerly the Parangal Dance Company, showcasing its extensive wardrobe collection.
Photo from San Francisco PCG
During the opening reception at the Philippine Center in San Francisco, Consul General Neil Ferrer said the ongoing exhibit is part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Center. Acquired by the Philippine government in 1974, the center aims to promote Filipino culture.
“Throughout history and across generations, Filipino women are at the forefront of societal change, economic development and cultural preservation,” Consul General Ferrer said. “In this spirit, the Consulate is delighted to present this unique exhibit that showcases the cultural heritage of the indigenous women of the Philippines.”
Photo from San Francisco PCG
Ferrer said each indigenous group has its own unique textile tradition, colors and designs, symbolizing their identity, history and their reverence for the natural and supernatural world.
“For our indigenous women, their attire is a powerful expression of autonomy, dignity and pride,” he said.
The exhibit, which runs until March 28, aims to “deepen our appreciation of the beauty, diversity and strength of our indigenous women,” Ferrer added.
He recognized the team from Parangal for their role as “citizen ambassadors” of Philippine culture for the last 17 years and thanked Parangal Artistic Director Eric Solano and Attire Director Rex Dela Cruz for organizing the event.
The opening reception featured dance performances by “Parangal: Salip at Banga” of the Kalinga, “Asik” of Maguindanao, “Pangalay ha Baluy” and “Pangalay Pangantin” of the Tausug, and “Pagapir and Singkil” of the Maranao.
Bay Area-based Kalinga culture bearer Jenny Bawer Young delivered remarks during the event.
Photo from San Francisco PCG
The event showcases the attire and accessories of the Ga’dang, Ifugao, Kalinga, Panay Bukidnon, Sama, T’boli and Yakan people, and the weaves of the Blaan, Maguindanao, Mandaya and Maranao people.
The cultural exhibit came about after years of research and immersion visits by Parangal to indigenous communities in the Philippines.
Parangal aims to pay tribute to Philippine heritage by preserving and promoting ethnic dance, music and attire, and to connect the Filipino American diaspora with their roots that will give them a sense of pride and identity as Filipinos.
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