Press Release
PR No. ETA-16-2022
FILIPINO ARTS AS SOURCE OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION FEATURED DURING NATIONAL ARTS MONTH CELEBRATION
22 March 2022, Jeddah – The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Jeddah PCG) featured Filipino arts as a source and wellspring of hope and inspiration for Filipinos during its celebration of National Arts Month held on 19 March 2022.
The activity titled “Sining ng Pag-asa”, which was held at La Parilla International Cuisine in Jeddah, showcased Filipino music and folk and ethnic dances. The activity also featured photographs by Filipino photographer Mr. Alex Domingo. The program also included a fashion show participated in by Jeddah PCG personnel showcasing Filipiniana-inspired couture created by Jeddah-based fashion designer Mr. Pablo Nesperos.
In his message, Consul General Edgar Tomas Auxilian said that the National Arts Month celebration is a celebration of Philippine arts which have time and again been a beacon of hope for Filipinos who have experienced difficulties and adversities brought about by the pandemic, natural disasters, and personal problems in life. The use of arts as a form of “healing” is part of the Filipino resilience during trying times, Consul General Auxilian said.
Consul General Edgar Tomas Auxilian giving the Inspirational Message at the opening of the program
“Ang ating sining or “arts” ay hinubog ng ating mahaba at masalimuot na kasaysayan. Pinagtagpi-tagping kalinangan mula pa sa ating mga katutubo hanggang sa pagdating ng ibang mga lahi na lalo pang nagpakulay at nagpayaman sa ating singing at kultura. Collective consciousness influenced by our pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial past, our artforms are a repository of our rich cultural heritage and national identity which we should treasure and always be proud of. Ang gabing ito ay selebrasyon ng buhay at ng ating pagka-Pilipino. Ang mga naihandang awitin ay mga kwento ng pag-asa, pagtatagumpay, at katatagan ng loob sa harap ng pagsubok. Itatampok din sa gabing ito ang mga katutubong sayaw, photo exhibit at fashion show featuring modern Filipiniana attires na repleksyon ng ating malikhaing pagsuong sa buhay sa pamamagitan ng creative expressions,” he added.
Jeddah PCG officials and staff, led by Consul General Auxilian, with some of the performers and artists at the National Arts Month celebration
This year’s National Arts Month celebration is an activity by the Consulate, in cooperation with Backstage Production, OFW Cooperative Council and La Parilla International Cuisine. -End-
