Light has a way of finding and carrying us home — even in the quiet rhythm of a dance. When I joined my fellow Filipinas to perform Pandanggo sa Ilaw, I realized that the gentle glow we carried wasn’t just from candles, but from the spirit of our culture shining through us.
Last weekend, I had the joy of dancing with the graceful ladies of our Filipino community. Together, we performed the Pandanggo sa Ilaw—the Dance of Lights—a cherished gem among the traditional dances of the Philippines.
We wore our baro’t saya, the elegance of our heritage woven into every thread. Mine and a friend’s were modern interpretations, yet the spirit of tradition shone through the embellishment. In our hands, we carried glass cups holding lighted candles—tiny flames swaying gently with our every movement, as if they, too, were dancing with us.
As I learned more about the Pandanggo sa Ilaw, I discovered that it was born on the island of Mindoro. This dance, inspired by Spanish influences during their 333 years of rule—from 1565 to 1898—was more than just a courtship ritual. It told stories through light: the delicate play between attraction and grace, between movement and meaning.
But to me, dancing with light felt deeper than mere courtship. While it mimics the fireflies glimmering at dusk, Pandanggo sa Ilaw has come to symbolize something more profound—the hope that flickers during dark times, the resilience that endures amid struggle, and the awakening of a community bound by unity and spirit.
The upbeat rhythm lifted our hearts. The balance required to hold the candles steady reminded us of focus, discipline, and inner peace. Each step, each sway, became a meditation—a dance not only of the body, but of the soul.
As we danced, I caught glimpses of radiant smiles—both from the dancers and from the audience who watched with awe. Laughter and joy filled the air, weaving invisible threads of connection between performer and spectator. For us, it was more than a performance; it was a living memory of who we are as Filipinos. For them, it was a window into the warmth of our culture.
The event was made even more beautiful by the presence of other cultural groups. The Peruvian dancers dazzled in their colorful attire, while the Spanish and Ecuadorian performers graced the stage with their own traditions. Each dance carried the heartbeat of a nation, and together, they formed a symphony of unity.
That day, beneath the gentle glow of candle flames, we were reminded of something timeless — that through our languages, colors, and origins, there is a rhythm that connects us all. Through dancing and singing, we moved not just our bodies, but our hearts — united in harmony, celebrating the light that shines within each of us.
Photo credits to Sue and Asteria
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