Kontra-GaPi Gives Masterclass to Filipinos in Morocco on Ethnic Music and Dance at Pistang Pinoy

Filipino community in Morocco pose with the Kontra-GaPi performers (first row)

RABAT 24 June 2025 — The resident ethnic music and dance group of the University of the Philippines Diliman delighted the crowd by performing dances from different provinces in the Philippines represented in the Filipino community in Morocco last 22 June 2025. “Itaas ang kamay ng mga taga-Kalinga!” (Raise your hands if you’re from Kalinga!) was followed by a dance from the Kalinga Province.

In between performances, the Kontra-GaPi conducted workshops for Filipino guests, both young and old. Even members of the Moroccan and expatriate community attended the event and joined the workshops, allowing for a multicultural dialogue through music and dance.

The annual event, already in its fourth edition, was organized by the Filipino Society in Morocco, Filipino Fun Club Morocco and Filipino community leaders. As in previous editions, there were booths selling Filipino products and delicacies. There were also games, raffle prizes and a booth-design contest whose theme was the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Morocco.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Baja thanked the Filipino community for embracing their Filipino identity with pride and for their invaluable contributions not just to the Philippines, but also to Morocco. END

Kontra-GaPi performs the Ka-pa-ti-ma dance (left) and a dance featuring the bungkaka or bamboo buzzer (right). The former combines dances from ethnic groups in Kalinga and Palawan, the T’boli and the Manobo.

Filipino children in Morocco learn how to play the indigenous instruments for the first time

Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie J. Baja delivers his welcome remarks

For more information, visit https://rabatpe.dfa.gov.ph/,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinMorocco/, https://twitter.com/PHLinMorocco  or https://www.instagram.com/phinmorocco/.