07 May 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Doha through its Sentro Rizal, participated in the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ three-day virtual masterclass on Philippine Folk Dance, conducted by the internationally-acclaimed Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company.

Held on 16, 23 and 30 April 2024, the virtual masterclass provided an opportunity to representatives of Filipino cultural groups in Qatar to learn the techniques on staging Filipino folk dance.

Folk dance enthusiasts from Philippine embassies in Brunei Darussalam, India, and Oman also participated in the masterclass, learning Pandanggo, Kini-Kini, Kappamalong-malong, Paseo de Iloilo, and Bagobo.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono commended the NCCA’s Sentro Rizal for their program and encouraged the participants to “learn how folk dance becomes a cultural expression and an instrument to promote the Philippines.”

In the culminating activity on 30 April 2024, the Doha-based Filipino participants performed the Kini-kini and Kappamalong-malong at the chancery’s Sentro Rizal. 

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