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(KPL) The Philippines’ traditional AlunAlun Dance Circle “Water Symphony” was performed at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane Capital on June 27th as one of the activities to celebrate the 118th anniversary of the Philippines’ Independence.
By Soukthavy
(KPL) The Philippines’ traditional AlunAlun Dance Circle “Water Symphony” was performed at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane Capital on June 27th as one of the activities to celebrate the 118th anniversary of the Philippines’ Independence.
“In commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippines Independence, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines is pleased to bring the AlunAlun Dance Circle to Cambodia, India, Laos and Myanmar,” said Philippine Ambassador to Laos Belinda M. Ante at the opening ceremony.
The AlunAlun Dance Circle was performed showcasing the dance style Pangalay, which literally means a gift or offering.
The message of the Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene Almendras read:
Pangalay is an indigenous, pre-colonial Philippine dance with affinity to the Cambodian, Indian, Javanese, Laotian, Myanmar and Thai style of classical dancing.
Pangalay shows that the Filipino people have been connected with the peoples of Cambodia, India, Laos and Myanmar, that geographical distance did not pose a challenge, and the Filipino people’s traditions have intermingled with the traditions of our Asian neighbors.
As culture is an integral part of Philippine diplomacy, we at the DFA hope to deepen the Philippines’ cultural relations with our neighbors who share the same Asian influence. I am confident that the showcase of Philippine artistry and talent by the AlunAlun Dance Circle will share a part of our nation’s soul and bring us closer to our Asian family.
In an ever-changing global landscape, it is becoming increasingly important to hold onto what makes us unique, but at the same time celebrate our common heritage.
Pangalay is an indigenous dance with an intimate relationship to water. Among coastal settlers and houseboat communities of the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines, pangalay flourished as a lively expression of their close connection with nature. As this connection is gradually being lost, so is pangaly in danger of vanishing altogether.
The performance included mystery of water, sa ugoy ng duyan (cradle song), mutya ng pasig- muse of pasig , sprit of water, power of water, magjinn, below the waves, biradali (fairy angel), interlude - Lao music with panglay, and stillness in motion.
KPL
