The Philippines throws a cultural fiesta starting today for a week of cuisines, music, performances by a renowned dance troupe and an art exhibition. It celebrates 32 years of China relations and 109 years of independence, writes Jenny Hammond.
The Philippines is said to be like a perfectly cut precious stone, with many colorful facets - a gourmet paradise and a melange of moods, music and movers, all set in the idyllic surroundings of a tropical paradise.
Now, however, the culture, music and art are being brought to Shanghai to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the People`s Republic of China, as well as the 109th anniversary of Philippine independence from Spain.
"The Philippines is a moving experience, an unraveling cultural show. It is a world of passionate people, rooted in Asian tradition and values, but also a child of its majestic past," says Philippines Consul General Jesus I. Yabes.
From today through next Wednesday this culture will be shown through the Philippine Food Fiesta at the Eton Hotel where three Filipino master chefs from Manila will preparing authentic Filipino dishes.
Also the world-renowned Bayanihan Philippines Dance Troupe will perform and an exhibition of work by Beth Parrocha-Doctolero will be on display.
The Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai was established in July 2002 to establish trade and cultural relations with Shanghai.
"This is a very progressive and vibrant city. It has the biggest representation of consulates in China outside of Beijing. This fact shows the importance of Shanghai to many countries, particularly in the field of trade and investment," says Yabes.
Now, more and more Shanghainese are visiting the Philippines while Filipinos and Filipinas are among the top visitors to Shanghai.
So far about 2,400 Filipinos are based in the city. Most are expats working in the manufacturing and hotel industries, engineers, architects and performing artists, singers and band members.
The Philippines and China share some cultural links as many Chinese have migrated to the Philippines since the 16th century, the consul general says. "They have been assimilated into the mainstream and some customs, words, and food from China have been added into our cultural milieu."
Now these customs and food can be sampled at the Philippine Food Fiesta that will feature the diverse tastes of Philippine cuisine from some of the country`s 7,107 islands.
"The wide array of dishes emphasizes the diverse interplay of gastronomic influences and cooking traditions that have fused together to give rise to Philippine cuisine. Not many know that Philippine cuisine traces its roots to Malay, Chinese and Spanish cookery," explains the Manila-born diplomat.
Alongside the Food Fiesta, the Bayanihan Dance Troupe will hold a series of performances. The troupe`s repertoire highlights the rich traditional folk dance, music and costumes of the Philippines.
Founded in 1957, the troupe has performed on six continents, in 62 countries and regions and 493 cities.
"Through the years, it has earned numerous distinctions, such as the first Filipino group to break into Broadway and the first non-American dance company to perform at the New York State Theater of the Lincoln Center for the Performing arts and now, its latest stop off will be here in Shanghai," says Yabes.
Completing the cultural celebrations will be an exhibition by painter Parrocha-Doctolero, titled "Watercolors." It is comprised of 10 works that are part of a collection inspired by children`s stories.
"`Watercolors,` is a dreamlike depiction of the artist`s recollection of books read when she was a child," says Yabes.
Parrocha-Doctolero has been a children`s book illustrator for 23 years and has illustrated more than 50 books.
"`Watercolors` is Beth`s first foray abroad. When asked why she chose Shanghai, she said, `I view Shanghai as a cacophony of colors, multi-faceted and contemporary. Shanghai fascinates me. The city shares the same vibrancy as the colors I use in my works`."
Date: June 6-13
Venue: Eton Hotel Shanghai, 535 Pudong Ave
Tel: 3878-9888
Exhibition
Time: All day
Tel: 6431-9971, or call consulate at 6279-8333
Dance performance
Time: 12:30pm, 6:30pm
Source: www.shanghaidaily.com (7 Juni 2007)