Philippines, Morocco Deepen 50 Years Ties Through Music and Memory
This morning, the Embassy of the Philippines in Rabat invited Moroccans to witness a performance that embodied both of tradition and connection.
Kontra-GaPi, an ensemble from the University of the Philippines, stood at the center of the gathering. For the first time in its history, the group traveled to Africa, not only as tourists, but as cultural ambassadors.
Their instruments, some carved from bamboo, others stretched with skin, offered rhythms shaped by centuries. The dances they brought reflected the lives of communities who have held onto their ways through waves of colonization, war, and migration.
Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja opened the event with calm conviction. 'We hope through the performances of Kontra-GaPi, we will be able to create a cultural bridge between our two countries,' he told Morocco World News (MWN) at the sidelines of the event.
'And of course, create greater awareness and understanding between the peoples of the Philippines and Morocco.'
'This is a special moment for us,' the group's founder and artistic director, Pedro Abraham Jr told MWN . 'We are here not just to perform, but to share something ancient and alive from our country.'
Abraham explained that the ensemble drew on traditions from nearly 100 ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines. 'Many of these communities were barely touched by colonization. Their music holds memory, and we carry it with care,' he said.
For Abraham, the performance in Morocco felt personal. 'We don't often get to stand in places so far from home and be received with this much kindness,' he said.
'And yet here we are, in North Africa, sharing something that began thousands of years ago in the Austronesian world. For a few moments, our histories sit side by side.'
The performance brought warmth, silence between notes, and the slow recognition that people across continents often carry similar longings, for dignity, continuity, and friendship.
The visit also marked the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence. But, the night did not revolve around dates or official speeches. It belonged to the musicians, the dancers, and the guests who leaned in to listen.
The Embassy's choice to bring Kontra-GaPi to Morocco served as more than symbolic outreach. It stood as an invitation, to look beyond geography, and to find familiarity in difference. Tags: Kontra GapiMoroccoMorocco Philippines tiesmorocco ties
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
17-07-2025
- Morocco World
MMVI Celebrates Photography Legends Marc Riboud & Bruno Barbey
Rabat — Yesterday, Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) hosted an exhibition dedicated to two legends of 20th-century photography – Marc Riboud and Bruno Berbey. 'Regards croisés' aka 'Crossed perspectives' has officially opened its doors at the museum in Rabat, and it's already making waves. Speaking at the opening, National Museums Foundation President Mehdi Qotbi acknowledged the event's significance, linking it to the cultural dynamism championed by King Mohammed VI. Mehdi Qotbi's speech during the tribute He stated that since his 'accession, culture and museums have seen remarkable progress, making our country an exemplar.' He also highlighted the importance of uniting these two global photography icons, affirming that 'photography is now a full-fledged art form.' Qotbi wasn't just present at the opening – he also gave an exclusive interview to MWN. Speaking of the two photography icons, the president stated, 'They are image-catchers,' Qotbi said. 'People with the rare gift to capture a moment and enter history.' Painting exhibited during the Marc Riboud & Bruno Barbey exhibiton at MMVI Riboud famously photographed Mao's China. Barbey, a Magnum photographer, documented wars and cultures with equal depth. 'I admired his work deeply,' Qotbi said of Barbey. 'We had planned to exhibit together. But death didn't give him the chance.' His wife, Caroline Thienot Barbey, and daughter helped bring the exhibition to life. However, it was Caroline alone who could truly speak of him and of his deep love for Morocco. Caroline Thienot Barbey speaking during the exhibition In an exclusive interview with MWN, she reflected on his love for Morocco. 'My husband has always loved to photograph Morocco,' she shared. 'We talked about it for years, and it never happened. It happened now when he is no more there… but I know he is there, with us, with me and my daughter.' This profound sense of his presence extends to her cinematic tributes, as she described the movie she filmed of her husband in Morroco as a capture of how 'he is still alive somewhere.' As visitors exited 'Crossed Perspectives' , they carried more than memories of striking bear witness to photography's power to moving time. In case you are intrigued, the exhibition is now open to the public. Make sure to enjoy it!
Morocco World
12-07-2025
- Morocco World
Abla Ababou Gallery Hosts ‘Alone Together': A Collective Reflection on Morocco
Rabat – The Abla Ababou Gallery in Rabat has opened its summer exhibition 'Alone Together.' Curated by Moroccan photographer Khalil Nemmaoui, the group show brings together 10 artists from Morocco and abroad to explore themes of identity, solitude, memory, and everyday life. The Alone Together exhibition presents a wide range of photographic styles, from documentary to experimental, that offer intimate and personal perspectives on the world we live in today. Through their different lenses, the artists reflect on what it means to be connected, or alone, in a rapidly changing society. Alone Together exhibition 'It is a time of great change, filled with many personal and individual emotions,' curator Khalil Nemmaoui told Morocco World News. 'Instinctively, I chose 10 people whose work is completely different from one another, but in the end, based on what I thought, and which has, in a way, been emphasized, supported, and validated by the public,' he added. A testimony about Morocco Nemmaoui added that their work comes together to form a kind of 'testimony' about the Morocco we are living in today. One of the featured artists, Zineb Andress Arraki, presented a deeply personal series titled Les Gens de Peu ('People of Little Means'), capturing quiet moments from everyday Moroccan life. Alone Together exhibition She told MWN that she initially wanted to present another body of work. But it was Marie Soulama from Le Monde who pushed her to show this series. 'There's a book called Les Gens de Peu by Pierre Sansot, and for me, he expresses so beautifully what it means to be 'people of little means.' This series illustrates that excerpt from his writing,' she explained. The photos, taken in Morocco, form part of a wider project she hopes to continue internationally. 'It explores architecture, but also objects,' she added. 'For me, Qays and Layla are like the Romeo and Juliet of design.' Alone Together exhibition When asked why she chose to focus on 'les gens de peu,' she replied: 'Because, in fact, we are all les gens de peu. Because the shroud doesn't have pockets. Because the only thing we truly have is the few square centimeters of our brains. Because we're all going to die, and at some point, we need to be humble. There's nothing left to rule over, and we're all going to die.' Tags: Abla AbabouAbla Ababou GalleryexhibitionPhotography
Morocco World
30-06-2025
- Morocco World
Inwi Strengthens Its Commitment to Moroccan Gaming at the 2025 Expo
Fez– At this year's Morocco Gaming Expo, Inwi has once again made it clear: gaming in Morocco is not a passing trend, but a fast-growing sector with real potential, and Inwi intends to help shape its future. As a leading force in Morocco's digital transformation, Inwi returned for the second edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo (MGE), affirming its long-term commitment to the national gaming ecosystem. More than just a presence at the event, Inwi came with an entire showcase of high-performance connectivity and hosting solutions, specifically designed to meet the demanding standards of gamers and developers. Gaming is no longer a niche hobby, it's an economic and creative engine. And Inwi seems to understand this better than most. By leveraging its technological know-how, the company has built infrastructure that supports both seasoned professionals and young talents, making high-level tools and platforms more accessible across the country. A highlight of Inwi's participation was the unveiling of the winners of the 'Innovative Mobile Game Ideas' competition. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the Ministry of Higher Education, this initiative targeted students from Moroccan universities and higher education institutions. Launched on May 19, 2025, the contest aimed to spark creative thinking and encourage entrepreneurial spirit among a new generation of Moroccan game developers. The three winning projects were announced during the expo, proof that talent is alive and well across the country, and that innovation is a skill that can be nurtured with the right support. The Morocco Gaming Expo itself has quickly become the country's flagship gaming event. After attracting over 41,000 visitors in its inaugural edition, this year's event solidified its reputation as a national hub for developers, publishers, content creators, investors, and institutions. It's not just a trade show, it's a meeting ground for ideas, ambitions, and strategies to shape the Moroccan gaming industry. Inwi's renewed involvement in the MGE sends a strong message. The company is not simply sponsoring the sector, it's investing in it. From enhancing infrastructure to nurturing creativity, Inwi is positioning gaming as a vehicle for economic growth, technological innovation, and digital inclusion. This is not about riding a wave of popularity; it's about building a sustainable and competitive ecosystem that can thrive beyond borders. Gaming in Morocco is becoming a career path, a platform for expression, and a field where young Moroccans can compete on a global stage. With Inwi's backing, the sector is no longer just growing; it's gaining structure, support, and long-term vision.
