Rex dela Cruz

Jose Rexiel Dela Cruz (he/him) is a performing artist and cultural researcher residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Originally from Las Pinas, Philippines, Rex developed a strong passion for the performing arts early in life, particularly for Philippine folkloric dance. After immigrating to the United States, he built a career in biological sciences and currently works as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, specializing in molecular diagnostics.

Realizing his dream of becoming a folkloric performer, Rex joined Parangal in 2022 and has since participated in multiple immersive research trips with indigenous communities in his homeland, gaining deep appreciation for their cultural practices and how these are reflected in their clothing, weaves, and patterns. After taking the lead in caring for traditional attire for the group, Rex was officially welcomed into Parangal’s Artistic Team in 2024 as the Director of Attire. His notable projects include serving as a cultural researcher for "Adhika," a book that showcases the stories and lifestyles of indigenous cultural bearers, and acting as curator and project lead for "Paraluman, a tribute to Indigenous Women of the Philippines”, an attire and tapestry exhibition created in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.