Fiesta Filipinas Caps Off Season 2 with the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Leyte
The organizers of Fiesta Filipinas, OPCD-Cultural Diplomacy Division led by Acting Director Khrystina Corpuz Popov (seated), concludes Season 2 of Fiesta Filipinas with the hosts.
PASAY CITY, 01 December 2022 — Hundreds of overseas bisitas and thousands of local and international viewers enjoyed a virtual celebration on 26 November 2022, as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) brought the experience of history, culture, and joy of the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival straight to their homes through the online event, “Fiesta Filipinas Season 2: An Online Celebration of Philippine Festivals."
The finale of the four-part virtual series, which coincided with the commemoration of the Filipino Values Month, Philippine National Book Month, and Children's Month, highlighted the historical significance and rich cultural heritage of Leyte through a virtual tour with former bisita turned local wanderer Jon Guelas, who showcased the sumptuous cuisines and delicacies, explored the must-visit sites, and immersed with the locals of the province.
The whole Fiesta Filipinas celebration was made even more special by bisitas of all ages and nationalities who were invited by the 94 Philippine Embassies and Consulates General abroad.
Bathandwa Kwababa, a bisita from South Africa, rated the virtual celebration a ten out of ten, and added that Fiesta Filipinas transported her to the Philippines, even citing the similarities of Philippine culture to South Africa. When asked which part of Fiesta Filipinas was her favorite, Canada-based bisita Colleen mentioned that it was the unboxing of the Fiesta Filipinas kit, where she was able to savor the flavors of various Filipino snacks. She further added that the fiesta energy strengthened her desire to visit the Philippines and learn more about the country and its culture.
Apart from the virtual tour and the curated Fiesta Filipinas kit, the bisitas also unleashed their craftsmanship through the do-it-yourself activity inspired by Pintados tattoos with art expert Marielle Reyes and host Chal Lontoc-Del Rosario. The multi-sensory event was completed by the auditory experience where the sounds of Leyte allowed bisitas to visit the Province.
The Fiesta Filipinas Season 2 project kick-started last April 2022 with the vibrant Pahiyas Festival of Quezon, followed by the historic Wagayway Festival of Cavite, and the bountiful Kadayawan Festival of Davao. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), pioneered the Fiesta Filipinas project that aimed to bring Philippine festivals to the world through a virtual multi-sensory format. END
Fiesta Filipinas host Chal Lontoc-Del Rosario and local wanderer Jon Guelas interview bisitas about their Fiesta Filipinas experience.
Guest Art Expert Marielle Reyes, together with Fiesta Filipinas host Chal Lontoc-Del Rosario, demonstrate the do-it-yourself activity inspired by Pintados tattoos.