Celebrating seven decades of

LIFE LONG

COMMITMENT

 

Photographs courtesy of the Belmonte Family Archive

The late Dr. Paz Cielo Angeles-Belmonte (aka Mommy Bel)

As a dancer, choreographer, dance researcher and educator Mommy Bel was part of the pioneering group in the 1930s and 1940s that developed a modern-day curriculum for traditional Philippine dance, working close together with Dr Francesca Aquino-Reyes (aka Lola Kikay)

Mommy Bel’s Mission
To contribute to the growth and development of folk dance in the Philippines, creating greater awareness and appreciation among Filipinos and foreigners alike.

Dr. Paz-Cielo A Belmonte with husband Ramon Belmonte and Lola Kikay during their first international tour in 1957

Mommy with husband, Ramon Belmonte Sr, and Lola Kikay during their first international tour in 1957

Mommy Bel, an accomplished dancer, visionary choreographer, diligent dance researcher, and dedicated educator—was undeniably at the forefront of promoting and preserving Philippine culture through her unwavering devotion to the cause of folk dance—establishing herself as an enduring icon of the Philippine cultural dance scene. Her teachings, tireless advocacy work, and remarkable achievements through the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe (PB) continue to significantly contribute to the growth and development of folk dance in the Philippines, fostering a greater awareness and appreciation among both Filipinos and foreign audiences alike.

Her impressive record as a passionate dance educator has shaped and produced generations of talented performers and inspired teachers who have all been profoundly touched by her dynamic vision and deep understanding of the rich traditions of Philippine dance. With the establishment of the PB in 1946, she has actively advanced Filipino culture and identity, inspiring the formation of numerous similar dance troupes across the country and creating an admirable image of the Filipino nation through its meritorious dance performances, both in the Philippines and around the globe.

As a young dancer, she shone brightly as the star performer of Francisca Reyes Aquino’s University of the Philippines-Folk Song & Dance Troupe (1933-1939). Additionally, she played a significant role as a choreographer for the Vaudeville productions at the State Theater and Avenue Theater during the challenging times of the war. Mommy Bel has been honored with a number of prestigious national and international awards in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the advancement of Philippine culture, particularly within the dynamic and expressive field of dance.


In every culture it changes as it comes but the roots where we came from will never change it is always within us....
— Dr Paz Cielo A Belmonte - Founder / Mother / Director

Awards & Achievements

  1. The Republic of the Philippines Presidential Medal of Merit

  2. The City of Manila’s Fourth Centennial Award

  3. Patnubay ng Kalinangan sa Sayaw

  4. Gawad CCP Para sa Sining; Parangal Sentenyal sa Sining at Kultura

  5. Testimonial Plaque to the ‘Hall of Fame’ by the Philippine Normal College for the singular honour she brought to the county and to the college in particular 

  6. Citation from the University of the Philippines-Department of Physical Education for her outstanding achievement on culture particularly in dance. She was awarded by International Council on Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ICPHER) for having brought and ably directed the World Congress in Manila as Director General of the Congress

  7. The First Recipient of the ‘Dance in Education Award’ of the Philippines given in June 1987. She also was awarded as the outstanding Alumna of the University of the Philippines in the field of Philippine folk dance by the UP Alumni Association.  Malacañanggave herthe PAMA-AS ‘Gintong Bai Award’ for her outstanding works in

  8. The field of Philippine dance July 7, 2005.

  9. 2015 Mother of the year, Manila Hotel Philippines