CADS represents Ateneo, Philippines in ASEAN+3 Youth Cultural Forum

Ateneo de Manila University will be represented by the Company of Ateneo Dancers (CADS) at the 20th ASEAN and 10th ASEAN+3 Youth Cultural Forum from June 22 to 27, 2025, in Thailand. With the theme “Cultural Roots and Rhythms: Flourishing Together in Unity & Harmony,” the forum gathers over 300 participants from more than 50 universities across 13 countries, including Thailand, to engage in academic conferences, cultural performances, and regional immersions that aim to build stronger networks and understanding across the ASEAN community.

CADS will join fellow Philippine delegates from De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines–Diliman. Ateneo's four-person contingent—Celina Baltazar, Leonard Leyes, Felicity Maneclang, and Matt Melgar—will present a rendition of the Kapa Malong-malong, a traditional dance of the Maranao tribe that showcases the versatility of the malong. Their preparation was made possible through the generous support and cultural insight of ALIF (Atenean Legacy in Islamic Faith), whose guidance helped ensure the authenticity and respectful representation of the Maranao tradition.