DOHA 28 July 2024 - Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Kulinarya Qatar, a community organization that advocates the promotion of Philippine culture and heritage in Qatar, presented a colorful picture of the archipelago in a half-day activity at Bait Al Sulaiti on 26 July 2024. 

Philippine street food and beautifully-designed traditional clothes welcomed the guests at the Bait Al Sulaiti square. Members of the Filipino Arts Society conducted a free art workshop for students where they were taught how to make portraits and still life using different media while a Santacruzan procession gave a glimpse of how Filipinos integrate faith and culture.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Dolaimi, Director of Culture and the Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, thanked the Philippine Embassy and Kulinarya Qatar for putting up a colorful production that depicts the richness of Philippine culture.

In response, Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar Lillibeth V. Pono shared in her message that the event actually aims to transport guests to a journey of the 7,641 islands of the Philippines through art, music, dance, fashion, and gastronomy. “We extend our appreciation to the Ministry of Culture and the Qatari government for giving expatriate communities, like the Filipinos, a platform to promote and spotlight their heritage.” She further said that the Filipino community in Qatar are also Ambassadors of Culture who “help foster closer understanding and friendship between our peoples.”

A modern cultural dance was performed by Xtreme Level Danz Crew and followed by “Fashion Meets Passion”, a fashion show featuring traditional and contemporary designs for children and adults by designer Celso Collado Dahil. END.