Washingtonians Experience PH at Embassy Open House

The Migrant Heritage Commission performs before a full-house audience during the Philippine Embassy Open House on 05 May 2018.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 08 May 2018 – More than 7,000 Washingtonians and visitors to the US capital experienced the best of the Philippines and the unique brand of Filipino hospitality during the Philippine Embassy Open House on 05 May 2018 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Culture, Tourism, and Cuisine are the main themes of the Embassy’s participation in this year’s much-anticipated Passport DC Around The World Embassy Tour.

In cooperation with Filipino restaurants and various Filipino and Filipino-American organizations of Metropolitan DC area, the Philippine Embassy prepared a superb line up of activities, performances, and delicious cuisine for the guests to enjoy.

Showcasing the unique cultural heritage and artistic talent of every Filipino are the colorful musical and dance performances of the Philippine Cultural Society of George Washington University, Tanghalang Pilipino Angklung Ensemble, Migrant Heritage Commission Dance Ensemble, BIMAK (Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Abra, and Kalinga Group), Fil-Am Stafford of Virginia, Ultimate Escrima of Maryland, Mabuhay Inc., and Bayanihan Cultural Dance Group of Maryland.

The beautiful pre-colonial history, alphabet and symbolism of the Philippines were also featured in the Baybayin and Pintados station – where guests had their names translated into the Philippines’ ancient script and had Kalinga tribe symbols painted in their bodies by the in-house artists of the Embassy.

Adding more fun for the families, especially to the kids, is the special kiddie corner where they got to craft, create, and color while learning about the country’s rich history and culture.

The tourism booth is where visitors had the chance to sit down and learn more about the country’s top tourism destinations and business opportunities, while two Filipino owned restaurants served delicious Filipino food throughout the day.

The event became even more exciting with the Instagram-selfie contest where one lucky guest won an economy class round trip ticket to the Philippines courtesy of Philippine Airlines.

“Staging today’s festivities is a collective effort by Philippine Government agencies, Filipino businesses, and cultural groups. All of us came together to show the world once again the richness of our culture, the beauty of our country, and the extraordinary warmth of our people,” said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez.

The Philippine Embassy Open House 2018 was made possible through the assistance and support of the Philippine Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, US-Philippines Society, Bistro 1521, and Lumpia, Pansit, Atbp. END

For more information, visit www.washingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philippineembassy-usa.org or https://www.facebook.com/philippinesusa @philippinesusa on Twitter

Migrant Heritage Commission led the dancing of Tinikling, a traditional Philippine folk dance.

Left photo: One guest having her name translated into the ancient script baybayin. Right photo: Top Philippine tourism destinations and business opportunities are discussed in the tourism booth.

Guests enjoy taking photos and wearing native accessories at the tourism photo wall.