17 January 2016 – As part of the Intercultural Dialogue and Cultural Diversity Programme of UNESCO in Qatar and in coordination with the Katara Cultural Village, Bayanihan, the national folk dance company of the Philippines, officially opened the show at the Cultural Diversity Festival last January 11. The dance troupe gave repeat performances on January 12 and 13 at Katara and the Philippine International School Qatar, respectively.

The Diversity Festival, which aims to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding and awareness, is set to bring performing groups from a total of 20 countries, representing all continents, to Katara to perform three days each. The performances run on a weekly basis and will culminate on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on May 21.

“Bayanihan is a Filipino word derived from the word bayan meaning town, nation, or community. It therefore refers to a spirit of communal unity and cooperation to achieve a common goal. It is also patriotism or love of country. Guided by Filipino history and national identity, every dance step of the Bayanihan boasts of our Philippine traditions and culture,” Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Wilfredo C. Santos said in his welcome remarks before the show.

Bayanihan performed a variety of Philippine folk dances that showcased the rich heritage of Philippine culture from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. From the Spanish down to the Islamic influences in Philippine traditional dances, the Filipino community, Philippine Embassy and UNESCO Qatar officials, as well as the Arab and other expatriate audience present during the open-to-the-public show truly enjoyed the artistry of Bayanihan. END