Press Release
PR No. MJD-54-2021

Jeddah PCG and Filcom members join “Move with Malong” Online Workshop

12 September, Jeddah- Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Jeddah PCG) personnel and some members of the Filipino Community in Jeddah participated at the Move with Malong Online Workshop held on 11 September 2021, which was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy.

The event is part of the nationwide celebration of the “Year of Pre-Colonial Ancestors” which is observed this year.

Consulate officials led by Consul and Acting Head of Post Mary Jennifer Dingal (left), with members of the Filipino Community in Jeddah learn the Kappa Malong Malong Dance at the Move with Malong Workshop organized by the DFA, and led by the Bayanihan Dancers

The workshop included a brief lecture on the history of the colorful yet highly functional and versatile “malong”, an important piece of cultural material widely used in Mindanao particularly in the provinces of Lanao, Maguindanao and Cotabato. The activity also showcased the Kappa Malong Malong Dance of the Maranao people, which dates back to the pre-colonial times, and reflects the early life, culture and tradition of the Filipinos prior to being “discovered” by the Spaniards. The participants learned how to dance the Kappa Malong Malong, using the malong. Members of the internationally-renowned Bayanihan Dance Troupe performed and taught the said dance to the participants.

Jeddah PCG Consul and Acting Head of Post Mary Jennifer Dingal said that the activity is a way of retracing our roots and the cultural significance of the malong as part of the rich and vibrant Filipino culture and identity--- something Filipinos should be aware and proud of.

Among the Jeddah-based Filcom members who were in attendance at the workshop were Dr. and Mrs. Shakeel and Bai Ansari, and Mr. Mar Par Jr. and Ms. Mauricia Garcia of the OFWCC.

Consulate personnel and Jeddah-based Filcom members at the Move with Malong Workshop

Consulate officials who also attended the event included Consul and Acting Head of Post Mary Jennifer Dingal and spouse Mr. Falco Dingal, Vice-Consul Lemuel Lopez and wife Ms. Lalaine Lopez, Vice-Consul Alfred Kristoffer Guiang, Cultural Officer Sittie Murod-Malang, and Mr. Joseph Garcia.

Other participants of the workshop came from other parts of the world such as Africa, Australia, Asia, and other countries in the Middle East. –END--