The AlunAlun Dance Circle’s (ADC) PANGALAY AT MASKARA returns to the historic Far Eastern University Auditorium on October 28, 2024, at 4:00 PM.

The ADC was founded by Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, who is also the artistic director and master choreographer for the group. Ligaya was born and raised in Marikina. She developed her love for art and eventually found her calling in dance. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1962 from Far Eastern University.

“I am grateful to FEU for being a steadfast supporter of my life’s purpose of preserving the cultural and historical relevance of Indigenous dance forms,” said Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa in an article published by the Manila Standard on December 12, 2015.

Ligaya is a recipient of FEU’s Green and Gold Award for Outstanding Alumni in 1994, the Most Outstanding Artist of Tawi Tawi Award of 2011, and the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for safeguarding Pangalay as a precious component of Filipino Heritage and a living link to other Asian dance cultures.

Throughout the years, Ligaya committed her life to patiently documenting the Sulu region’s dance routines and their allied expressions, teaching dance with a method she developed, and choreographing performances.

In 2016, her 13-year research book titled “Pangalay: Traditional Dance and Related Folk Artist Expression” was declared the best art book by the Manila Critics Circle.

The AlunAlun Dance Circle’s (ADC) PANGALAY AT MASKARA is a non-profit dance organization dedicated to upholding cultural appreciation of the Indigenous people of the Southern Philippines through preserving, conserving, and propagating the pangalay dance from the Sulu Archipelago.

Careful innovation in the theatricalization of their dance traditions like pangalay, lunsay, and langka is incorporated through the Asian tradition of wearing masks in creating choreography for theatrical presentations. The traditional choreography is integrated into contemporary themes, utilizing pop music and compositions of National Artists for the public to appreciate the dance, especially the new generation.

The cultural event is free for all! Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/hkWfHPgRSR

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