Filipino Ladies’ Group in Singapore Holds Successful “Maria Clara and Ibarra Ball” in Celebration of 125th PH Independence
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Antonio G. Macaraig thanks the Filipino community as it continues to expand and make room for people from different races – a testament that efforts on cultural diplomacy are paying off. (Singapore PE photo)
SINGAPORE 23 August 2023 – The Filipino Ladies’ Group in Singapore (FLAGS), in cooperation of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore’s Cultural and Filipino Community Relations Section, successfully held the “Maria Clara and Ibarra Ball” on 12 August 2023 at the Raffles Town Club in Singapore as part of the celebrations of the 125thanniversary of Philippine independence.
It was also one of the major community events where Filipinos and foreigners alike gathered for a night of culture, with a special highlight on two of the most iconic Philippine literary characters – Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra from Dr. Jose Rizal’s first novel, “Noli Me Tangere.” The event also featured the weaving tradition of the Philippines, particularly, the Badian banig and the Ilocos Inabel.
In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Antonio G. Macaraig thanked the Filipino community as it continues to expand and make room for people from different races – a testament that efforts on cultural diplomacy are paying off.
The event also showcased Filipino talents for singing, featuring original Filipino music; dancing, featuring the cariňosa, a Philippine dance from the colonial-era, which is the backdrop of the story of Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra; and playing of musical instruments, featuring Filipino violinist, Joseph Angelo Uichanco. Guests who donned the best Filipiniana outfits likewise participated in an impromptu fashion show.
The ball was the second activity that highlighted indigenous Philippine weaves (the first being the fashion show called Hibla Mindanao) that was supported by the Philippine Embassy, to commemorate the National Indigenous People's Day which happens every 9th of August, in accordance with Republic Act No. 10689.
Part of the event’s proceeds will be donated to an inabel weaving community and to a mat weaving community in the Philippines. END
Filipino talents showcasing Original Pinoy Music. (Singapore PE photo)
A brief skit from Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere showing a scene with Donya Victorina, Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara. (Singapore PE photo)
Filipino Ladies’ Group in Singapore dancing cariňosa, a Philippine dance from the colonial-era. (Singapore PE photo)
Philippine Embassy officials and staff joined the ball in support of the Filipino Community in Singapore. (Singapore PE photo)
Parade of Maria Claras and Ibarras – an impromptu fashion show. (Singapore PE photo)
Third Secretary and Vice Consul Joy Anne B. Lai, Head of Cultural and Filipino Community Relations Section (6th from L) with the Filipino Ladies’ Group in Singapore. (Singapore PE photo)
Filipinos and foreigners alike marvel at the Badian banig and the Ilocos Inabel weaves. (Singapore PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.singaporepe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg, https://www.facebook.com/PHinSingapore, or https://www.instagram.com/phinsingapore/.