San Francisco-based Filipino dance group Parangal is set to represent the Philippines at the prestigious 50th Rencontres de Folklore International Fribourg (RFI) from August 18 to 24, 2025, marking a historic milestone not just for the company—but for the festival itself.
Parangal will be the first Philippine folk dance group from the diaspora to perform at the long-running international event, according to festival organizers. For Artistic Director Eric Solano, the opportunity is both humbling and monumental.
“We are so humbly honored to represent the Philippines at the 50th Rencontres de Folklore International Fribourg in Switzerland,” he shared with TGFM. “The festival is a big milestone for Parangal and the community we represent.”
The group will perform a powerful lineup of indigenous dances inspired by living traditions of six cultural communities across the Philippines: Kalinga of Lubuagan, Meranao of Marawi (Lanao del Sur), Sama of Tawi-Tawi, Subanen of Lapuyan (Zamboanga del Sur), and Tausug of Jolo (Sulu).
Solano explained that these presentations are the result of 17 years of on-field cultural research, with 95% of their costumes made by indigenous artisans. The program includes over 40 segments featuring a combination of dance, chants, songs, and live music, 11 of which are drawn directly from traditions still actively practiced by their respective communities today.
A special highlight of their delegation is the presence of Kalinga Culture Bearer Jenny Bawer Young, who has been working with the group since 2009. “Manang Jenny helps ensure that the dance, music, and attire we present on stage together have the utmost cultural integrity,” Solano said. “She will perform two of their living traditions—Salip and Banga—and her involvement symbolizes over 16 years of collaboration and trust.”
Parangal’s participation is not just a celebration of movement and heritage—it is also a call for global awareness. “The message we would like for our international audience to take away is that it takes a village—culture bearers, artists, and communities—to uplift and celebrate the identity of Filipinos,” Solano added. “The 110 Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines are still here, and they await the world’s visit.”
Parangal is inviting Filipinos in Fribourg and nearby areas to support and connect with them during the festival. “We can’t wait to meet our kababayan at the festival! Let’s represent the Philippines together,” Solano said. Those interested in attending or connecting with the group can reach out via Instagram (@parangaldance) or Facebook Messenger (@parangal).
For more information, visit www.parangal.org.
