Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
The Filipino community in Qatar, with the support of Qatar’s Ministry of Culture, Philippine Embassy in Qatar and Kulinarya Qatar, a Filipino community forum, recently held a Philippine Cultural Night at the Bait Al Sulaiti, Cultural Center, Doha, to show solidarity to Qatar on the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022.
The event was attended by Monica Remsy Calangian, third secretary and vice-consul of the Philippine Embassy; Camille Manlapaz, cultural attache at Philippine Embassy; Maryam Yassin Al Hammadi, culture and arts director; Jamal Fayez, cultural consultant; and Nezha Slaou, coordinator.
Qatar-based Filipino artists entertained the audience with their skillful and energetic performances, showcasing rich Philippine heritage and culture such as Kundiman songs, piano performances by Maestro Dexter De Lara Tumang, Maharlikan Vocal Ensemble Philippines song ‘Ilay Gandangan’ (song for the sun), Filipino Maguindanao folk song about the people praying for the sun to touch down their land, among other songs.
The event also featured modern harana songs using violin by RJ Andi of Qabayan Radio and special song by Munting Prinsesa 2017, Unica De Vera and Brian Joseph Sales. BIMAK Qatar Chapter - OTTK Cultural Dancers, alcer performed the PATTONG, in celebration of weddings which also featured a courtship dance which is usually performed in fiesta or occasion to drive away evil spirits and enlighten feelings.
Another highlight of the programme was the Sagala or Cultural Dress parade by Munting Prinsipe and Prinsesa 2022 participants organised by Ric & Mrs JeanTrix Vera followed by the Celso Collado Dahil Filipiniana Couture Fashion Show managed by Jenny Pascual of JennyRtistic and team.
Filipiniana and cultural dress, arts and crafts were also displayed at exhibition area by Alyaqout Flower.
Also on the spotlight were talented Filipino artists led by B.E.S.T. Club; Scribble artist and award-winning street photographer Arsenio Nidoy Jr. fondly called Artsenic, as well as JiArt, AlbertD and other talented artists.
A healthy Filipino food preparation and cooking session was demonstrated by Salad Master and Filipino Food exhibit by Filipino Hot Pack and DEQADA Restaurant, two of the best Filipino restaurants in Qatar.
Kulinarya chair Dahlia Suratos Agbanlog expressed the group’s sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Arts Director at the ministry Maryam Yassin Al Hammadi, Cultural Consultant Jamal Fayez and Coordinator Nezha Slaoui for giving them the opportunity to promote Philippine cultural diversity through arts, dance, music, dress and food.
Kulinarya Qatar Dream Team members Layla Bernal, Belle Castro Modin, Joseph Tintin Rivera and John Del Rosario jointly hosted the event and thanked various Filipino community leaders and groups who attended the event.