PH Embassy in Beijing screens documentary film on Fang Od, last Mambabatok of Kalinga
Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana addresses the attendees during the opening ceremony of the film screening. (Beijing PE photo)
BEIJING, 10 December 2021 – The Philippine Embassy in Beijing hosted a special screening of Lauren Sevilla Faustino’s “Ang Babae sa Mambabatok” (The Woman Behind the Tattoo Artist) last 03 December 2021 in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Members of the diplomatic corps, Filipino Community representatives and Chinese locals attended the event in which COVID-19 health protocols were observed.
The film, originally released in 2012, is a documentary on the life story of Fang Od who is known as the last Mambabatok or Traditional Tattoo Artist of Kalinga.
In his keynote address, Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana underscored the film’s relevance in the plight of Indigenous Peoples amid evolving challenges brought about by changing times. He hoped that the film could help raise awareness and understanding of the welfare of Indigenous Peoples around the world, and for other people to see Fang Od and other culture bearers as “fellow humans whose welfare, rights and dignity must always be preserved, protected and defended.”
Ambassador Sta. Romana likewise hosted an intimate cocktail reception that showcased Filipino cuisine including chicken sotanghon, puto, biko and buko pandan.
The special screening was part of the “Diversity and Inclusion Film Festival: New Classics” that was co-organized by participating diplomatic missions in the People’s Republic of China and is running from 30 November to 20 December 2021. Further, it served as the Philippine Embassy’s tribute to the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines and the Year of Filipino Pre-Colonial Ancestors in 2021. END
Ambassador Sta. Romana and other Embassy officials interacted with guests during the networking reception. (Beijing PE photo)
Philippine Embassy personnel prepared and served chicken sotanghon, puto, biko and buko pandan during the networking cocktail reception. (Beijing PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph.