Filipinos Promote PH Dance, Music at First Vientiane Book Festival

Jack Durano performs “Anak” by Freddie Aguilar during the opening ceremony of the first Vientiane Book Festival held on 7 March 2019 at the World Trade Center in Vientiane, Laos. (Vientiane PE photo)

The WeFil Dance Troup perform the Paypay de Manila during the closing ceremony of the book festival on 17 March 2019. (Vientiane PE photo)

VIENTIANE 20 March 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane and the Filipino community in Laos participated in the first Vientiane Book Festival held from 07 to 17 March 2019 at the World Trade Center in Vientiane.

The event aims to encourage reading among children and the youth in Laos, as well as to promote the culture of Association of Southeast Asia Nations member states.

Filipino community member Jack Durano performed “Anak” by Freddie Aguilar and “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” by VST and Company during the opening ceremony of the event on 07 March 2019.

Meanwhile, the WeFil Dance Troupe, under the tutelage of Asian Development Bank consultant Dr. Bernadette Gonzales performed the Paypay de Manila, a traditional Filipino dance with fans.

Members of the Filipino community also came together to form a band and perform several numbers, namely “High” by Stephen Speaks, “Same Ground” by Kitchie Nadal, “You’ll Be Safe Here” by Rivermaya, and “Stars” by Callalily.

The book festival organizing committee head Mana Jangmook of Meedee Books Shop was so pleased with the performance that he requested an encore of a Filipino song, and the band sang “Kung Wala Ka” by Hale.

At the conclusion of the Philippine performance, Mr. Jangmook expressed his appreciation to the Embassy and to the community, particularly the Filipino teachers who performed during the festival. He told the audience and the community that “[Filipino teachers] are the reason why we can speak English so we can communicate with the world!”

Mr. Jangmook ended his speech by encouraging all of the participants to keep reading and learning.  END

A band comprised of members of the Filipino Community performed Original Pilipino Music hits during the closing ceremony of the Festival. (Vientiane PE photo)

For more information, visit  www.vientianepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/vientianepe/