Vince Zabala

Vince Zabala

Director of Internal and External Affairs

Member since 2017

When I moved to the Bay Area from Southern California, I wanted to connect with other Filipinos and explore my cultural roots. I stumbled across Parangal on Instagram and was immediately drawn to their community gatherings – they reminded me so much of my big family back home. Even though I had zero dance experience, their welcoming "come check us out" Instagram post gave me the courage to show up. That first step changed everything for me.

Since joining, I've performed at schools, libraries, festivals, and private events all over the Bay Area as well as in Colorado and Hawaii. I've even had the opportunity to perform internationally in Greece and Slovenia! This year, I'm excited about our upcoming tours to Switzerland and the Philippines. One of my most meaningful experiences was our immersion trip to Mindanao, where I visited Maguindanaoan, Yakan, and Sama communities. Sitting with elders and learning their stories firsthand transformed how I understand our traditions – it's one thing to perform a dance and another to hear why each movement matters from the people who've preserved it for generations.

As Director of Internal and External Affairs, I wear two hats – I work to make sure our members have the same warm welcome I received, and I build relationships with our community partners. My background as a math teacher and leadership coach comes in handy here. I still remember our festival in Slovenia, where I realized how dance creates connections across cultures. That experience in Slovenia stays with me – watching audiences connect to our performances despite language barriers. In one beautiful moment, a local grandmother approached me with tears in her eyes, explaining through a translator how our music reminded her of her own village traditions. These universal connections through art are why what we do matters.

Parangal has become much more than a dance company for me. It's given me a creative outlet that helps me manage my anxiety and ADHD, and a community where I feel completely accepted and supported. Every Friday practice is something I look forward to – full of joy, laughter, and learning.

Looking ahead, I hope Parangal continues to preserve indigenous Filipino traditions while also being a bridge that helps both Filipinos and non-Filipinos connect with this rich heritage. Through dance, music, and attire, we're not just performing – we're keeping culture alive and helping people find their roots. For me, this isn't just about weekend performances; it's about being part of something meaningful. Through sharing these traditions, I've discovered more about myself than I ever expected, while making lifelong friends along the way.