Press Release No. EBB-11-2019

Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah Celebrates National Arts Month

Jeddah, 24 February 2019 – The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah yesterday evening opened a 3-day celebration of the National Arts month with various activities including an exhibit of Philippine paintings and textiles, a fashion show featuring traditional and modern renditions of the Filipiniana wear, and traditional cultural dance performances.

The audience included the Consuls General of Thailand, South Korea, and China, leaders and members of Filipino community organizations, as well as administrators and teachers of Philippine schools in Jeddah

In brief opening remarks, Consul General Edgar Badajos, said, “Through this celebration, we hope to nurture and sustain among Overseas Filipino Workers and their families a high level of pride in, and love for, their rich Filipino heritage.” He added that “greater inter-cultural understanding increases the possibility of developing a symbiotic political and economic relationship that could, in turn, redound to the economic and social sell-being of our peoples.” He also mentioned that “[o]ur proud nation is nothing without its people and tonight we invite you to take a journey with an open heart and let the cultural performances touch your soul as it has mine.”

Select PCG staff and their dependents catwalked the red carpet in their best traditional wear and modern interpretations of the barong Tagalog and terno. The Filipino performing arts were also highlighted through song and dance performances by the Consulate’s own talents and Filipino cultural groups. Kultura Dance Troupe, a group composed of Filipino professionals, performed Itik-Itik and Subli while Nunungan International Organization, a group of Filipino-Muslims in Jeddah, performed a traditional Maranaw music ensemble. The evening was nothing short of spectacular. To the other Consuls General present, it was a delightful introduction to the richness of Philippine arts.

A Filipino chef’s group added delight to the occasion by serving delicious Filipino cuisine. The rest of the consulate staff showed their passion in their efforts to ensure a memorable evening for everyone.

For the next two days, there will be a painting workshop to be given by the exhibitors, including Architect Larry Villanueva, husband of Post’s Consular Assistant Mrs. Susan Villanueva; Architect Edris Tamano, father of Consular Assistant Mr. Adnan Tamano; Mrs. Lila Buenaseda, wife of Post’s Collecting Officer Mr. Nilo Buenaseda; and Ms. Juhi Naddem Sham, head of the volunteer group, Senses Artists. Vice Consul Alfer Guiang will also be giving an introductory lecture on Philippine arts and culture to senior students from the four Philippine International Schools in Jeddah. END

PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE EVENT

Consul General Edgar B. Badajos (extreme right) and  (from L-R) Consul General Soradjak Puranasamriddhi of
Thailand, Consul General Sang-Kyoun Lee of the Republic of Korea, and Consul General Tan Banglin of the
Peoples Republic of China cut the ceremonial ribbon in one of the two arts exhibits curated for Jeddah
PCG’s celebration of the 2019 Philippine Arts Month.

The Consuls General view the two exhibits curated for Jeddah PCG’s celebration of the Philippine Arts Month 2019. One features
works of Filipino and foreign visual artists (left photo), and the other features the textile and wardrobe traditions of the Philippines

The Kultura Dance Troupe performing Itik-itik and Subli

Vice Consul and Mrs. Lemuel Lopez performing the Malong dance

The Nunungan International Organization performing a traditional Maranaw music ensemble