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Filipino Times
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Filipino cultural dances take center stage at Araw ng Kasarinlan celebration in Abu Dhabi
The spirit of the Philippines came alive through cultural dances, captivating performances, and remarkable Filipino talent during the celebration of Araw ng Kasarinlan held in Abu Dhabi. Hosted by the Bayanihan Council Abu Dhabi on June 21, the event showcased the rich traditions, artistry, and creativity of Filipinos, bringing together performers of all ages, including schools and various community groups, to celebrate their heritage with pride and passion. Throughout the program, audiences were treated to an array of traditional dances such as the Singkil and Silong sa Ganding performed by Flair Ideal-Paced Academe (FIPA Schools). The OFW Global Movement for Empowerment UAE also delighted the public with the lively Itik Itik dance, while the Abu Dhabi Filipino Dance Club (ADFDC) and The Global Filipino Community & Associates (TGFCA) presented other engaging traditional performances. The Philippine Emirates Private School (PEPS) brought the graceful Tinikling to the stage, complemented by cultural presentations from the Institutional Center for Excellence (ICE), Universal Philippine School (UPS Al Ain), The Philippine School (TPS), and Samahan Ng Mga OFW Sa UAE (SOUAE). In an interview, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver emphasized the importance of such cultural celebrations abroad. 'It also goes to show na we are free here, very open, we can celebrate freely, we can also share to our Emirati brothers and sisters our culture, our heritage, our creativity,' the Ambassador said. He also noted the crucial role of parents and schools in passing down Filipino culture to younger generations, especially those born or raised in the UAE. '[The] very young, the second, third generation children growing up, learning our dances, our songs, they're getting an attachment. Mga iba, pinangalaki na dito, pinanganak na dito, baka hindi na nila alam,' he said. 'I'm glad yung mga parents nila sa mga Philippine schools who participated, they are inculcating in this new generation of Filipinos, our culture, our art, and our love for our country, love for fiesta, food, everything, and we all come together. It unifies us.'
Filipino Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Araw ng Kasarinlan 2025: What you shouldn't miss at the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Abu Dhabi
The Filipino community in Abu Dhabi is gearing up to celebrate Araw ng Kasarinlan to highlight Filipino heritage, creativity, and unity through vibrant performances, cultural showcases, and community activities. A full-day celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day will be held on June 21, from 10 AM to 4:30 PM at Al Jaheli Theatre, Erth Hotel, Abu Dhabi, with the theme 'Kalayaan 2025: A Festival of Philippine Culture.' Meanwhile, the most-awaited Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2025 Coronation Night will also showcase the beauty and wits of Filipinas from 6 PM to 10:30 PM. The event, organized by Bayanihan Council Abu Dhabi, brings together participants from retail, healthcare, education, finance, logistics, and Philippine-based enterprises, attracting a diverse mix of students, families, professionals, and community groups from across the UAE. Curious about what to expect? Here are some of the highlights you wouldn't want to miss! Parade and Processions The event kicks off with a Community Parade featuring various Filipino groups, symbolizing unity and national pride. A cultural procession, Sagala, will also be held where participants wear traditional and formal Filipino attire. The exciting Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2025 Coronation Night will also showcase the beauty and wits of Filipinas from 6 PM to 10:30 PM. Arts and Cultural Exhibits The celebration will include an Art Exhibit that showcases a range of visual artworks by Filipino artists in the UAE, focusing on expressions of identity, cultural heritage, and the concept of freedom. Onstage, a series of Cultural Performances will be held throughout the day, featuring traditional and contemporary Filipino dances, musical performances by choirs and bands, and segments by youth performers. Market and Exhibitions The Kalayaan Market will offer a variety of goods, services, and Filipino food from local vendors. Alongside it, an auto show will display a range of vehicles—from vintage models to modern designs. Entertainment and Activities Drum and lyre performances will energize the crowd throughout the day. Attendees can also enjoy interactive games and prizes, making the celebration fun for all ages. Best of all, admission is free! For overseas Filipinos in the UAE, this is a chance to reconnect with the community, celebrate our heritage, and mark the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence together.
Filipino Times
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Filipino community celebrates culture and tradition at Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi
The Filipino community in Abu Dhabi is set to showcase its rich cultural heritage at the upcoming Asian Festival, a vibrant component of the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025. On Saturday, February 1, everyone is invited to join in this historic celebration that will feature stunning Filipino performances and a grand parade that promises to bring the spirit of the Philippines to life. Organized by the Bayanihan Council Abu Dhabi, 'Fiesta Filipinas: Celebrating Culture, Traditions, and Art' offers a captivating display of Filipino pride through dance and music. The event, which began on January 20, will run until February 6, 2025. Cultural Extravaganza The Asian Festival, a highlight of the Sheikh Zayed Festival's international pavilion, offers a platform for Filipinos to showcase their cultural traditions to a global audience. Visitors will be immersed in the rich tapestry of Filipino heritage through captivating performances, such as traditional dances, folk music, and cultural displays. Community Spirit The Bayanihan Council Abu Dhabi, an umbrella organization representing various Filipino groups in the emirate, is at the forefront of organizing this cultural showcase. This event not only celebrates Filipino heritage but also strengthens the bonds within the overseas Filipino community in the UAE. This cultural presentation at the Sheikh Zayed Festival is particularly meaningful as it promotes cultural exchange between the Philippines and the UAE. It provides a 'home away from home' experience for the Filipino diaspora in Abu Dhabi. It also showcases the talents and artistic expressions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The Asian Festival promises to be a colorful and dynamic representation of Filipino culture, offering both Filipinos and international visitors a chance to experience an unforgettable journey – the warmth, creativity, and rich traditions of the Philippines right in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
