Janna San Felipe

I remember the first time I watched Parangal perform. It was the 7th Anniversary show and I was in awe, thinking how amazing it would be to learn and perform with this company. And look where I am now- almost 2 years later taking part in their 10th Anniversary.

I never thought I would ever call myself a folk dancer. As any college student aspiring to learn about their culture and fulfill a sense of identity, I took part in my university’s Pilipino Cultural Night. I fell in love with the dances, I wanted to learn more about the traditions, and I wanted to do my part in preserving the culture. So at the end of it, I asked myself, "How can I continue this?" Parangal was my answer.

Parangal has given me the opportunity to grow in all aspects as a dancer, a student, and an educator. I have performed in places I never thought I would perform and I became an advocate for the indigenous cultures of the Philippines. With the endless opportunities this company has to offer, I paved my way into Parangal. Folk dancing has allowed me to gain a sense of identity. With that, I have developed an immense amount of appreciation for my culture and I am hopeful that one day I can teach future generations of this company what Parangal has taught me.

Here I am today, taking part in my last Pilipino Cultural Night with San Francisco State University as a performer and as a teacher. Like my mentors at Parangal, I hope I can inspire these students and others to appreciate and preserve their culture.

Janna Erika San Felipe
San Francisco State University