11 July 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, headed by Philippine Ambassador to Israel Generoso D.G. Calonge welcomed 14 members of the Tarlac State University (TSU) Performing Arts Dance Troupe on July 03.
The courtesy call was part of the group's 10-day visit to Israel. The students, accompanied by TSU officials, arrived in the country on June 25 to participate in the 28th International Folklore Festival 2013 held from June 26 to July 04.
The annual cultural event is organized by MAATAF (The Israel Center for Encouragement of Cultural Exchange and Folklore), According to MAATAF Director Zion Shlomi, the TSU Performing Arts Dance Troupe was the first group from the Philippines to be invited to the festival since he joined MAATAF nine years ago.
During the visit, the Ambassador congratulated the students for being able to set foot in the country which is regarded by most Filipinos as the Holy Land. He also commended them for representing the Philippines in the International Folklore Festival and showcasing the uniqueness and diversity of Filipino culture, as well as the creativity and many talents of our artists.
Dressed in colorful Filipiniana costumes, the students regaled the Ambassador and the rest of the Embassy personnel with their rendition of the popular Kapampangan folk song Atin Cu Pung Singsing. They also danced Tinikling at the Embassy’s Consular Section, to the delight of many consular applicants.
The TSU Performing Arts Dance Troupe is composed of students selected from the various colleges of the university. Since 1994, the group has performed in other countries, such as Malaysia, China (Hong Kong), Singapore, and Thailand. END