30 June 2016 - The Philippine Embassy in Yangon, as part of the celebration of the 118th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 60th Anniversary of Philippines-Myanmar Bilateral Relations, successfully staged a performance by the AlunAlun Dance Circle (ADC) at the National Theater Yangon on June 24.
The ADC, a group established by 2015 Ramon Magsaysay awardee Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, showcased pangalay, a pre-colonial Philippine dance with affinity to the Indian, Burmese, Javanese, Thai and Cambodian styles of classical dancing.
In his opening speech, Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex G. Chua underscored the significance of Pangalay as a concrete manifestation of the shared cultural heritage of the Philippines with countries in the ASEAN region. He said, Pangalay which literally means an “offering” is a gift to celebrate the warm bonds between the Philippines and Myanmar.
The audience roused into joy accompanied of clapping of hands as the ADC performed pangalay using the music Tu U Poe, a famous song for Myanmar’s water festival.
The ADC’s performance, attended by nearly 400 guests, was made possible by the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of the Undersecretary for International and Economic Relations (DFA-OUIER) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture of Myanmar. It was graced by the Rector of the National University of Arts and Culture (Yangon), U Aung Naing Myint. END