Several guests participated in a mini fashion show of the Ati-Atihan costumes. Ati-Atihan is a Filipino festival held annually in January in the province of Aklan to honor the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus).
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Around sixty (60) young professionals of Metro DC gathered at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy for a fun-filled “Evening at the Embassy of the Philippines”, that featured Filipino music, art, and cuisine on 29 September 2016.
“Tonight’s special event is just one of the many ways by which we built on the common ground that exists between our cultures and heritage. Indeed, the relationship between the Philippines and the United States is comprehensive, dynamic, and forward-looking,” said the Philippine Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto as he welcomed the guests to the Philippine Embassy.
The Migrant Heritage Commission Ensemble led the cultural presentation, performing original Filipino folk dances such as Aray, Banga at Sarip, Sarimanok, Singkil, and Tinikling. Costumes of the Ati-Atihan festival, which is held annually in January in the province of Aklan to honor the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), were also put on display.
The Migrant Heritage Commission Ensemble performed the Tinikling, a Filipino dance that imitates the movement of the tiklingbirds as they walk between grass stems, run over tree branches, or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers.
Several guests participated in a mini fashion show of the Ati-Atihan costumes and tried dancing the Tinikling, while enjoying traditional Filipino dinner of pancit, bistek (Filipino version of beef steak), chicken adobo, and fresh fruits.
“By hosting these cultural events with embassies, such as the magnificent Embassy of the Philippines, we hope that young professionals, who are at the start of their long and successful careers, can take away something positive from the evening. Unlike many other groups who attend embassy events, this is their opportunity to firsthand experience international culture and come face to face with diplomats and embassy staff from various countries and receive answers to questions they may not otherwise get on CNN, or at a travel agency. Through these interactive events, these young professionals take away their positive memories of the evening, and create a life long bond to these countries that will last them in their personal and professional lives,” said Mr. Greg Bland, CEO of Things to Do DC and Embassy Events for Young Professionals.
“Evening at the Embassy of the Philippines” was organized by Things to Do DC, a premiere organization for DC young professionals that makes use of interactive social, educational and cultural events that enrich their social and cultural experiences.