CULTURAL diplomacy is one of the key areas the European Union (EU) focuses on to achieve better understanding and appreciation of the cultures among its member-countries and the Philippines.
One way to achieve this is through Viva Europa, a series of events showcasing the best Europe has to offer in dance, film, literature, music, sports and the visual arts.
Set from April to June, the festival urges Filipinos to discover Europe’s cultural heritage and reinforce the sense of shared history and culture.
Ambassador Franz Jessen, head of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, said at the festival’s recent media conference: “We want to strengthen people-to-people links because we believe that Europe, with its unique cultural diversity, should stay in the hearts and souls of Filipinos.”
Viva Europa will coincide with the celebration of the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage, an outcome of a fruitful cooperation among EU member-states, EU cultural institutes, the European Union National Institute for Cultures, partners from the media, academe and universities, as well as the embassies of Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Shared values
JESSEN added, “Viva Europa is also an occasion to showcase [our] shared cultural values with Filipinos. It signifies the historic ties of the Philippines with the EU and highlights the importance of [our host country as a cultural partner].”
From April 28 to 30, Jessen led ambassadors from Austria, Belgium, Germany, France and Romania on a bike tour from El Nido through Tagaytay, Roxas and Puerto Princesa City for Sikad Palawan, aimed to promote not only environmental protection but also biking as a healthy and climate-friendly lifestyle. Alongside, the diplomats met with the local community members and representatives of the business sector in the island-province.
On May 24 children will take the spotlight with “Lakbayin Natin ang EU,” a rights summit “by children, for children.” In line with this, a workshop on European popular pastimes, literature and the arts will also be conducted at the Museo Pambata along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.
The EU ambassador noted, “We have done this in the past 10 years [because we] believe that as children are educated, they are better equipped to become tomorrow’s leaders. We are grateful to even play a small part.”
Art contest, music fests
LAKBAYIN Natin ang EU will also launch an on-the-spot drawing contest for children 9 to 12 years old who are enrolled in public or private schools in Metro Manila. It will carry the theme: “Europa, Kaibigan Ko Ito (Europe, my friend and partner).”
Promoting European musical heritage is the FEUropa, a nationwide choir competition which is now on its 10th year, organized by the Far Eastern University (FEU) with the support of the EU Delegation and the Embassy of Spain. It will take place on May 26 and 27.
Meanwhile, musicians from Austria, the Philippines, Spain and Sweden will take center stage at the Euro-Pinoy concert on May 30.
Image credits: PNA/Gil Calinga