The Philippine Embassy in London led the #Malong Movement in the United Kingdom as it showcased the traditional Filipino wraparound garment malong in its own “Move with Malong” event on 17 September 2021 at the Embassy grounds.

In attendance were ASEAN Ambassadors and spouses and other ASEAN diplomats.

Noting in his welcome remarks that the malong is related to the sarong, the long yi and the pla sin worn in other parts of Southeast Asia, Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo expressed hope that the event will bring a new appreciation for the highly versatile malong.

The program began with the “Pageantry of the Malong” performed by London-based Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company, joined by some Embassy personnel.

The Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company again captivated the audience with their rendition of the Kappa Malong Malong dance, which showed the different ways of wearing the malong.

A highlight of the event was the malong masterclass conducted by Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company’s founder and artistic director Ronnie Del Barrio, as he taught the ASEAN diplomats the delicate movements of the Kappa Malong Malong dance.

The ASEAN Ambassadors, spouses and diplomats were gifted with the malong kits at the end of the event.