PHL Embassy in Mexico Participates in Cultural Festival at San Miguel De Allende
The ladies of the Philippine Embassy perform the Salakot folkdance. (L-R: Ms. Angele P. Queja, Ms. Rosabelle Q. Toledo, Ms. Mayette G. Lacsamana and Ms. Jocelyn L. Nones)
18 May 2017 MEXICO — The Philippine Embassy in Mexico, in line with its cultural and public diplomacy program, participated in the XVIII Encuentro Internacional de Convivencia y Hermandad Universal (18th International Encounter for Universal Co-Existence and Brotherhood) held in San Miguel de Allende, State of Guanajuato, Mexico from May 12 to 13, and was hosted by the San Miguel de Allende’s Civil Society in Progress, A.C.
The annual week-long festival aimed at promoting to the world the beauty of San Miguel de Allende and its people. Their culture and traditions are regularly participated by foreign embassies accredited to Mexico and by cultural organizations in San Miguel de Allende and nearby states.
An inauguration ceremony was held on May 12, attended by Ambassador Eduardo Jose A. de Vega, along with several other foreign ambassadors.
On May 13, members of the Philippine Embassy personnel and the Filipino community in Mexico, along with their families, presented a one-hour cultural program at the Teatro Angela Peralta showcasing traditional Filipino dances such as the Muslim Fan Dance, Habanera Soltera, Salakot, Cariñosa and Bulaklakan, choreographed by Post´s local hire, Ms. Opalyn dela Cruz-Ceron, and with the participation of Filipino community members, Mr. Josh Espiritu Viernes, Ms. Al Abao-Vega and Ms. Thea Mae Cortez.
Other highlights of the show included renditions of Filipino songs “Harana” by Mr. Daniel Camacho and “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit” by Ms. Opalyn dela Cruz-Ceron, respectively. In addition, a demonstration of arnis de mano, the Philippine national martial art, was given by Vice Consul Mikhal de Dios.
The event concluded with a fashion show of Philippine traditional dresses such as the barong tagalog, Maria Clara, kimona, terno, abaca wraps, and traditional ethnic attires.
San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful colonial town famous for its well-preserved historic character and is one of Mexico´s many World Heritage Sites. It is now one of the most popular cities for artists and retired expatriates. Renowned Filipino painter Romeo Tabuena, lived and worked for nearly 60 years in San Miguel de Allende before his death in 2015, and is fondly remembered by the local citizens.
For more information, visit www.mexicope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/MexicoPE. END