Bayanihan Returns to Greece: A Tale of Enduring Friendship Between Two Countries
The members of the Bayanihan together with Philippine Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec and Mrs. Novelyn Palec took an official commemorative group photo after the performance. (photo from Athens PE)
THESSALONIKI 29 September 2023 – In a mesmerizing and culturally enriching performance, Bayanihan, the National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines, enthralled a full house at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. After its 1968 world tour that included Thessaloniki and a 2006 visit to the city, Bayanihan returned to Greece, impressing and endearing the Greek audience yet again with a repertoire of traditional and folk dance presented in beautiful and colorful costumes during a one-night gala performance at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall on 22 September 2023.
The event, which was spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy in Athens in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate in Thessaloniki, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Ministry of Culture and Sports of Greece and the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, marked a significant milestone in cultural cooperation between the Philippines and Greece.
The captivating performance by the Bayanihan in Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, was the inaugural implementation of the Executive Program for Cultural Cooperation 2021-2025. It also highlights the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Greece which celebrate 73 years of diplomatic relations this year.
Around 400 people filled the hall, consisting of local officials, members of the consular corps, the Filipino community and the general public. They were treated to a spectacular showcase of Philippine folk dances, costumes and traditions. The audience was enthralled by the Bayanihan’s repertoire that spanned the Philippine islands from north to south. It included the rhythmic tribal dances of the mountainous region of Northern Luzon that reflected the rituals, beliefs, and way of life during the pre-colonial Philippines, the lively and festive dances that emerged across the regions resulting from the four centuries of Spanish influence, and the mesmerizing dances of Mindanao that represented both the indigenous and Muslim-influenced. The Bayanihan’s extensive repertoire left a lasting impression on the enthusiastic audience.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the rendition of a popular Greek folk song in which deeply resonated with the audience.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Greece Giovanni E. Palec welcomed the guests to the momentous occasion celebrating not only the Philippine culture, but also the 73rd anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Greece. The Ambassador said that the arts have a subtle yet powerful role in promoting, expanding and fostering the relations between the two countries. He then invited the guests and audience to a unique experience of the Philippines and its vibrant and varied tapestry of culture and heritage through the Bayanihan.
The Bayanihan’s Greece tour signified many things. To the audience of the gala performance, it was a rare and special opportunity to get a glimpse of the rich Philippine culture and heritage from the country’s premiere and esteemed folk dance group. To the Bayanihan members, it meant retracing their roots and reliving the memories of their founder and pioneers who once visited Thessaloniki and graced the Greek stage with world renowned performances. To the Philippines and Greece, it goes beyond the implementation of a cultural agreement and stands as a testament of their goodwill and enduring friendship. It was a night of unity and shared appreciation for the arts. The event was a testament to the power of dance and culture in bringing people together and fostering understanding between nations. END
The Tinikling, famous for the steps where dancers hop in and out of rapidly clapping bamboo poles, was highlighted during the Bayanihan’s performance in Thessaloniki
(photo from Athens PE)
The Bayanihan also featured the Sakuting dance from the Abra province, where dancers carry sticks and engage in a mock fight. (photo from Athens PE)
At the end of the performance, the Bayanihan shared a copy of their coffee table book to Philippine Ambassador Giovanni Palec and Mrs. Novelyn Palec. (photo from Athens PE)
For more information, visit https://www.athenspe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHLinGreece/.