Himig Bersama-Sama Concert Successfully Staged to Celebrate 75 Years of PH-Indonesia Friendship
Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Gina A. Jamoralin delivers her welcome remarks as she shares the significance of this year’s celebration of 75 years of Philippines-Indonesia Friendship. (Jakarta PE photo)
JAKARTA 15 November 2024 — The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, in partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, successfully organized a concert entitled “Himig Bersama-sama: A Musical Collaboration Celebrating 75 Years of Philippines-Indonesia Friendship”, which was held on 10 November 2024 at Teater Besar (Grand Theater) of the Jakarta Arts Center, Taman Ismail Marzuki.
Based on the words himig which means melody in Filipino, and the Bahasa Indonesia word bersama-sama, meaning together, the concert featured the following talented artists from both the Philippines and Indonesia, showcasing the diverse musical traditions, instruments, and styles that provided audiences with a deeper appreciation of each other’s cultures:
The Sasana Budaya Art Troupe captivated the audience with their vibrant and dynamic performance of traditional Indonesian dances and gamelan compositions that highlighted the rich cultural diversity of Indonesia. The group performed the Javanese Gending, a medley of Java and Sunda songs and the gamelan rendition of Bahay Kubo.
The concert also featured the Mentari Intercultural School Rondalla (MIS Rondalla) composed of Filipino music teachers based in Jakarta. Their repertoire included the lively Mabuhay March and the spirited folk dance Tinikling that brought the warmth of the Philippines to the audience.
Lastly, The Male Ensemble Philippines provided a powerful vocal performance that left a lasting impression. They performed a diverse selection of Filipino contemporary and folk music. The audience was treated to renditions of Filipino classics such as Sa Tabi ng Punong Saging (Beside the Banana Tree) and Nonot Kamo Kanako.
The ensemble also performed popular contemporary songs, including Down by the Riverside, Garota de Ipanema (The Girl from Ipanema), Basil Valdez Medley, Da Coconut Nut, and Better World. A special highlight of their performance was their rendition of Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops), a popular Indonesian song, which elicited a positive reaction from the Indonesian audience.
The concert marked a significant milestone in the long-standing bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Indonesia, which officially began on 24 November 1949. It highlighted the enduring cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations through the universal language of music and the arts.
In addition to the musical performances, the Embassy presented a video showcasing the rich history of Philippines-Indonesia friendship, emphasizing the shared values and close cooperation that have defined the two countries' relationship for the past 75 years.
"May our partnership continue to flourish, may our friendship grow ever stronger, and may our shared commitment to peace and prosperity remain steadfast," Ambassador Gina A. Jamoralin said in her speech.
The concert attracted around eight hundred (800) pax. Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns Myra Paz Valderosa-Abubakar, Andhika Permata, Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Service of DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, and Sultan Sepuh Aloeda II Rahardjo Djali of Kisepuhan Sultanate of Cirebon, West Java were among the VIPs that graced the event. Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, Indonesian government officials, private sector members of various Filipino organizations in Indonesia, academe and students, as well as members of the media.
The event was made possible by the Philippine Embassy’s collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (MECRT), DFA-Office of Cultural Diplomacy, Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Office of Congresswoman Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino of the OFW PArtylist, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. END
The Sasana Budaya Art Troupe performs traditional Indonesian dances and gamelan compositions that highlighted the rich cultural diversity of Indonesia. (Jakarta PE photo)
The Male Ensemble Philippines performs their renditions of Filipino classics such as Sa Tabi ng Punong Saging (Beside the Banana Tree) and Nonot Kamo Kanako. (Jakarta PE photo)
The MIS Rondalla performs the lively Mabuhay March and the spirited folk dance Tinikling that brought the warmth of the Philippines to the audience. (Jakarta PE photo)
Ambassador Gina A. Jamoralin, together with DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderosa-Abubakar, poses with the Sasana Budaya Art Troupe. (Jakarta PE photo)
Ambassador Gina A. Jamoralin (center) poses with Sultan Sepuh Aloeda II Rahardjo Djali of the Kisepuhan Sultanate of Cirebon, West Java (sixth from right), DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderosa-Abubakar (fifth from right), Mr. Andhika Permata, Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Service of DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and other members of the diplomatic corps. (Jakarta PE photo)
Ambassador Gina A. Jamoralin (center) poses with DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderosa-Abubakar (fourth from right), Mr. Andhika Permata, Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Service of DKI Jakarta Provincial Government (second from right), Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun (leftmost) and other members of the diplomatic corps. (Jakarta PE photo)
Ambassador Gina A. Jamoralin poses with Mr. Andhika Permata, Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Service of DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. (Jakarta PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.jakartape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembjkt.com, https://facebook.com/PHLinIndonesia/, https://twitter.com/PHinIndonesia, or https://www.instagram.com/phlinindonesia/.