Press Release
PR No. ETA-65- 2021

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH CELEBRATED WITH A CONCERT SHOWCASING REGIONAL AND INDIGENOUS FILIPINO PERFORMANCE ARTS

27 October 2021, Jeddah – The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Jeddah PCG), in partnership with Toshi Restaurant and Mr. Blue Initiatives, held a concert on 22 October at Toshi 2 Restaurant Jeddah, in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month. The concert featured various music and dances of the various regions and indigenous groups in the Philippines.

Consul General Edgar Tomas Auxilian delivers the inspirational message at the opening
of the National Indigenous Peoples Month activity

In his message, Consul General Edgar Tomas Auxilian said that the Philippines has always been marked by the richness of its culture and diversity of its people, as reflected in our different indigenous peoples and ethno-linguistic groups—giving the Filipinos its our own identity, distinct from the rest of the world.

“I hope that the different presentations showcasing the different performance and visual arts of our indigenous communities will make us appreciate the depth, beauty, and meaningfulness of our culture. May we take pride in our cultural values as embodied in our different folk and ethnic songs and dances, and fashion. In the process, may we have a better understanding of our cultural ways of living that give us our Filipino identity—something we should embrace and be proud of,” Consul General Auxilian said.

Pretty Moms Dance Troupe performing an Igorot dance “Raragsakan”

Various Filipino groups in Jeddah, such as the Nunungan International Music Ensemble, the Pretty Moms Dance Troupe, Bagong Bayani Dance Company, and individual talents performed some of the iconic dances and songs of some of the ethno-linguistic groups in the country. A fashion show, featuring the creation of Mr. Pablo Nesperos, was also included in the program.

Filipino artists singing some regional songs of the Philippines

In an estimate by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, there are approximately 11.3 million indigenous peoples in the Philippines, comprising around 10-15 per cent of the Filipino population. There are around 100 indigenous groups in the country, among which include the Igorots, Kankanays, Isnegs, and Gaddangs, among others, in Luzon; the Mangyans, Atis, and Tumandoks in Visayas; and the Manobos, Bukidnons, Subanons, Tirurays, and Badjaos, among many others in Mindanao.

This year’s National Indigenous Peoples Month theme is “Dayaw, Katutubong Filipino: Atin ang Tagumpay!”. The theme highlights the resilience of the Filipino “katutubo” amidst the many changes and challenges they have faced, including the Covid-19 pandemic. -End-