GOVPH

Filcom Feted in Ministry of Labor’s Qatar National Day Cultural Event for Expat Communities

DOHA 18 December 2024 — Members of the Filipino community, through the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the State of Qatar, took part in the Ministry of Labor’s (MOL) cultural and heritage night for expatriate communities as part of the Qatar National Day festivities at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park on 16 December 2024.

Hundreds of expatriates from over 15 participating countries joined the heritage parade before taking turns in showcasing their culture through songs, dances, and poetry in a display of diversity, cultural exchange, and peaceful coexistence.

The performance by the Filipino community was adjudged as one of the three best for the night, alongside the performances by the Sudanese and Syrian communities.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Her Excellency Lillibeth V. Pono, congratulated the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day.

“I thank MOL for organizing this event,” she said. “It brought to focus the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the various expatriate communities who call Qatar their second home — a very fitting tribute to mark Qatar National Day.”

Ambassador Pono also acknowledged the Filipino performers for being excellent stewards of Philippine culture and heritage before foreign publics in Qatar.

“The Philippine performance was a testament to our innate artistry and the richness of our history as told through traditional dances,” she said. “I commend our performers for pulling off a great number despite the challenging weather.”

The Filipino community was represented by the Banyuhay Dance Group, as well as students and teachers from Philippine School Doha (PSD) and Philippine International School-Qatar (PIS-Q). Their performance recalled traditional dances from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, bringing tropical flair to an otherwise chilly night in Doha.

The Embassy also hosted a Philippine booth, which served Filipino favorites lugaw (rice porridge) and deep-fried empanada to foreign visitors.

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.

Message of Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar Lillibeth V. Pono on the Occasion of Qatar National Day 2024

Filipino Alt-rock Icon Eraserheads Highlights Pinoy Pop Culture, Delivers Nostalgia in Doha Concert

DOHA 16 December 2024 — Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike were treated to a taste of Philippine pop culture and the vibrancy of the collective Filipino experience during the Doha leg of the Huling El Bimbo world tour of iconic Filipino alt-rock band Eraserheads.

Composed of lead singer and songwriter Ely Buendia, drummer Raimund Marasigan, bassist Buddy Zabala, and guitarist Marcus Adoro, the group performed at the Qatar National Convention Center on 13 December 2024.

Thousands of concertgoers sang and danced along to one OPM classic after another, including “Fruitcake,” “Super proxy,” “Toyang,” “Alapaap,” “Tindahan,” and “Huling El Bimbo.”

One of the most consequential musical groups to ever come out of the Philippines, the Eraserheads breathed life to songs that defined the quintessential experience of successive Filipino generations since the ‘90s.

Present during the concert was Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Her Excellency Lillibeth V. Pono, who presented plaques of recognition to the band members.

“A study of contemporary Philippine pop culture would not be complete without referring to the outsized musical influence of the Eraserheads,” she said. “Their music brings us back to the Philippines, allowing many overseas Filipinos to recapture memories of their growing-up years in a way that only the Eraserheads could.”

The one-night only event was presented by Visit Qatar and organized by Qabayan Radio 94.3.

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.