29 November 2013 - The International Dance Festival 2013, bearing the theme “Road to ASEAN,” is being held at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre (BACC) from November 21 to December 03.  It is organized by the Friends-of-the-Arts Foundation, in collaboration with BACC, UNESCO (Bangkok), Bangkok Metropolitan Administrations and the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture.  The Festival consisted of symposia, dance workshops, master classes, young talent stage, virtual art exhibitions, dance films and performances.

The Friends-of-the-Arts Foundation is a self supporting non-profit entity which strives to educate, nurture and excite interest in the performing arts among the general public and talented youth in Thailand.  Throughout the years, the foundation stages performances to raise funds and educate talented youth to perform in a professional environment.

The Embassy’s Cultural Officer, Ms. Sylvia M. Reyes, and Ms. Maria Paz Samelo, a Filipino teacher teaching at Aunareewitaya School in Bangkok participated in the series of free dance workshops being offered to the public.  Ms. Reyes gave a brief background on Philippine culture and folk dance, particularly the Pandanggo sa Ilaw.  Ms. Samelo then performed a solo number of the Pandanggo sa Ilaw and later taught volunteers from the audience the basic steps of the dance.  END