PHL Embassy Promotes PH-Czech Cultural Ties by Presenting Cebu’s Santo Niño Image to Křimice, Pilsen
Ceremonial handover of the image of the Infant Jesus of Cebu in Křimice, Pilsen. (L-R: Křimice Mayor Vít Mojžíš, Deputy Mayor Vladimír Lobkowicz and Embassy Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Juan E. Dayang, Jr.)
28 December 2017 KŘIMICE, PILSEN – Philippine Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Dr. Juan E. Dayang, Jr. visited Křimice, Pilsen to formally handover the image of the Infant Jesus of Cebu to Mayor Vít Mojžíš and Deputy Mayor Vladimír Lobkowicz on December 22 at the Chapel of the Lobkowicz Castle.
The rare image of the Santo Niño was painted on abalone shell by noted artist Noli Principe Manalang. The handover of the painting was immediately followed by a concert of Jakub Ryba's "Czech Christmas Mass" performed by K. Tyla Theater in the full packed chapel.
CDA Dayang previously visited Křimice on January 23, 2014 to visit the Zámeček Art College when its faculty members and students designed two dozen poster designs to encourage support to victims of Super Yolanda in the Philippines in November 2013.
CDA Dayang noted that the Philippines and the Czech Republic is celebrating its 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2018. He said that the image of the Infant Jesus of Cebu is “our token of appreciation to the people of Křimice” and hopes that it will further strengthen Philippine-Czech religious and cultural ties.
The statue of the Santo Niño de Cebú resembles the Santo Niño de Praga, which draws Filipino Catholics to Prague and has become a cultural symbol of Philippine-Czech relations. END
The framed painting of the Santo Niño de Cebu donated by the Philippine Embassy in Prague to Lobkowicz Castle Chapel in Křimice, Pilsen by artist Noli Principe Manalang.
For more information, visit www.praguepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/philembprague/.