Cultural exchanges and works shouldn’t be bounded by boundaries. Last year, the Cultural Exchange Department of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP CED) launched its Mabuhay Philippines program in some parts of Europe.
From Oct. 20 to Nov. 5, 2023, covering the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Italy, the Mabuhay Philippines program aims to create and nurture cultural awareness and art appreciation of Philippine heritage and traditions among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and migrants through performances and workshops.
Now on its 5th edition, Mabuhay Philippines was first implemented in 2013, with the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers doing concerts and workshops in Singapore and Hong Kong. In 2015, the CED facilitated the performance tour of CCP Gawad Awardee Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. in various Filipino communities in Prague, Vienna, and Venice.
In 2018, the program brought the Song Weavers Philippines and Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe to Changwon City, South Korea for the Arirang Migrant Workers Cultural Festival. The program was well-received in the three countries, with OFWs and Filipino migrants expressing their appreciation.
In 2023, the first leg of the program brought the Song Weavers Philippines in June and July 2023 to Belgium, Germany, and France. The last leg was held in the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain with The Nightingales, a soprano duo composed of Bianca Camille Lopez and Keiko Cayanga.
The team was led by CCP CED manager Chinggay Bernardo who traveled with a small team composed of Alfred Samonte and Ian Aguila, with Profs. Cecile Mambuay and Lolito Pontillas, the facilitators for the Mindanao dance and theater workshops, and Marichelle Bernardo who handled the Puni leaf art workshop.
For each community that the Mabuhay Philippines program visited, a group of Filipinos took on the challenging tasks of arranging and coordinating the venues, technical facilities, lodging, meals, and transportation for the eight-member touring party.
The tour was in partnership with the Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda, Team Blended of Bonn, the Philippine Catholic Community of Cologne, and the Parroquia Immaculada Concepción Y San Lorenzo Ruiz in Barcelona.
In Gouda South Holland, the Filipino Catholic Community (FCC), led by Amor Van Os, bridges faith with fellowship, enriching lives through Sunday Mass, service, and vibrant cultural events. Pinoys abroad, traditions kept alive.
On Oct. 23, a group of Filipinos from Rotterdam took a seven-hour trip to Bonn, Germany to attend a concert by The Nightingales. The concert was held at the Missione Cattolica Italiana, Ursula Church, and was arranged by the Filipino Catholic Community of Cologne.
The Nightingales’ European tour finale was a joyous blend of nostalgia and celebration. Classic songs, beloved Filipino folk tunes, and heartwarming Christmas carols touched audience’s hearts, while workshops and performances in Robert-Havemam Strasse connected with the local Filipino community. From Puni leaf art to Mindanao dances, the program offered a vibrant taste of home, leaving everyone feeling sentimental yet cheerful.
From Germany, the MP team traveled for 18 hours via Flix Bus and moved to Spain. After arriving in Barcelona, the team headed to the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion Y San Lorenzo Ruiz Church for their third engagement. Fr. Lino Castro, who hails from Alfonso, Cavite, hosted and presented the Mabuhay Philippines program in Barcelona.
Oct. 29 Mindanao arts event dazzled Kababayans in Barcelona. In Florence, they met Filipinos, sparking hopes for future Mabuhay Philippines collaborations.
Hats off to all the Pinoy hosts and organizers in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Italy who have shown their admirable Filipino traits – resilient, hardworking, adaptable, bighearted, creative, patient, generous, and amusing. The team expressed their gratitude to all the partners and collaborators they have worked with.
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There was a Facebook post by a friend asking what our government has accomplished in 2023. I’m not sure about other agencies, but the Cultural Center of the Philippines worked hard and accomplished a lot, even with the meager budget that we had last year.
On average, the Cultural Center of the Philippines produced over 900 shows, projects, events, and other activities annually. It collaborated with more than a thousand artists, cultural workers, and technical crew.