20 August 2015 - Ballet Philippines’ performance in Amman, Jordan on August 14 in Al Hussein Cultural Center was an astounding success after it received a standing ovation after its finale, Tambol at Padyak. The audience raptly watched Ballet Philippines’ soulful and expressive interpretations of classical, neo-ethnic and contemporary numbers.
The Ballet Philippines performance in Amman was the last leg of their Middle East tour, which included Dubai on August 07, Abu Dhabi on August 08, Manama on August 10 and Doha on August 12, organized by the Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations (OUIER) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) under its cultural diplomacy program. The event was part of the celebration of the 48th Anniversary of the Founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on August 08, and the Embassy’s contribution to the Summer Festival 2015 of the Greater Amman Municipality, which showcased Amman and the whole of Jordan as a phenomenal tourism destination.
The show entitled “Master Pieces: Celebrating the Tapestry of Filipino Culture & Friendship,” was attended by around 600 guests who were mostly Jordanians such as the members of Ballet Jordan, students from American University in Madaba, representatives from the National Center for Culture and Arts and employers of Filipino nationals. Also present were Senator Taghrid Mustafa Habashneh and spouse, members of the diplomatic corps spearheaded by the ASEAN and Asian Ambassadors and Filcom. It was a full house for the 535-seat theater, with some of the audience standing in the wings and balcony area just to watch the performance.
Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Junever Mahilum-West delivered her welcome remarks conveying the message of Secretary Albert F. del Rosario on the important role of cultural diplomacy in advancing national interests and fostering friendship with Middle Eastern countries and the world. Mayor Aqel Biltaji of the Greater Amman Municipality as Guest of Honor gave a very inspiring message which highlighted the distinctive talent of Filipinos and the diversity of the Filipino culture and tradition. He also commended the Filipino workers around the world for their hard work and unique skills. END