MALAYA FILIPINO AMERICAN DANCE ARTS
Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts is a Los Angeles based ensemble of performing artists, dancers, and musicians. In Tagalog, malaya means "to be free". Malaya represents the freedom to choose our identity as Filipino Americans, embracing our ancestral and present culture. Malaya is dedicated to the enrichment and artistic practice of traditional folk dance in a new and inspiring way for future generations.
OUR PRACTICE IS BASED on THREE PRINCIPLES
•Practice the traditional Filipino performing arts with integrity and commitment to research.
•Further the cultural exposure of folkloric education to a local inter-generational Filipino-American community.
•Foster a legacy of innovation and artistic creation that bridges intercultural understanding.
“MALAYA has really embodied the meaning of their name, “being free”. They have accomplished a rare feat of discovering the way to “being free”. The importance of being MALAYA is a lightness of being, a passionate spirit and a courageous heart. Bravo to MALAYA! Congratulations on the success of “Malaya Is Freedom”. MABUHAY ang MALAYA!”
Our story
In 2012, MALAYA was born. Guided by the strong leadership of Executive Director Anna Lisa Gutierrez de Guzman and the adventurous creativity of Artistic Director Peter de Guzman, Malaya has redefined how Philippine dance is portrayed. With a backbone of research and education they have established a vibrant organization. In its young life, MALAYA has already become a treasure chest for Philippine culture in America showcasing folk dances and traditional music, some of which are original stagings never seen or heard before in the United States such as the traditional Pangalay and the story of the Maranao Onor. The company has participated in many art festivals such as the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), where MALAYA has presented two original repertoires based on field research conducted in the Philippines. MALAYA was featured in the LA Times for its inclusion at the 2018 NOW Festival at the Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater (REDCAT) - a rare feat for a traditional dance company to be part of an avante garde art festival. More recently in 2019, MALAYA represented the Philippines at the ITOTIA World Festival in Los Angeles.
MALAYA serves its local community by providing workshops, consultations, and lectures for organizations such as SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans), UCLA’s Samahang Pilipino, and USC’s Troy Phi. MALAYA has had the honor to collaborate with both local and international groups such as the MassKara Festival dancers of Bacolod, the Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble of San Diego, Ube Arte and the Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles. In February of 2019 MALAYA completed a dance and music immersion tour in the Philippines that included visits to Lake Sebu in southern Philippines to study the T’boli culture as well as Baguio in the northern Philippines to train with Professor Benicio “Benny” Sokong in traditional Kalinga music. One of the highlights of the research tour was participating in an immersive workshop of Pangalay with master artist and Magsaysay Awardee, guru Ligaya Amilbangsa.
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Board officers
Kevin Ocubillo-President, Chairman of the board
Reggie de Guzman-Internal Vice President
Dr. Lourdes Capulong-External Vice President
Lanie Berrei-Treasurer
Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga-Secretary
Board Members
Jose Relson Banas
Tess Benedicto
Chris Cuenza
Darrel De Vera
Antonia Enriquez
Gary Paglinawan