MANILA — Viva Europa 2018 promises a European cultural summer experience, with a series of events to showcase the best of Europe's unique, dynamic and diverse culture.
From April to June, Viva Europa aims to highlight the shared cultural values between EU and the Philippines. This will also mark the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage in the country.
“The aim of the European Year of Cultural Heritage is to encourage more people to discover Europe’s cultural heritage, and to reinforce the sense of shared history and culture," EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said during the event launching and press conference held at the Dusit Thani Hotel on April 19.
Viva Europa commemorates the historic ties of the Philippines with the EU and remembers the importance of the country as a cultural partner.
The partnership of the EU Member States’ Embassies, the EU Cultural Institutes, the EUNIC, and partners from the media and universities paved the way to celebrate the best of European dance, film, literature, music, sports and visual arts.
This event is organized by the EU delegation to the Philippines, as well as the EmbEassies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.
EU Ambassador Jessen explained the reason for the event’s branding. “Viva”, from a Latin word which means “to live” which can also be used the same way as “Mabuhay” is used in the Philippines.
“Europa, with all its unique European cultural diversity should stay in the hearts and souls of our Filipino audience," he added.
Jessen said cultural diplomacy is one of the key areas they want to focus in order to better understand cultures, strengthening people to people links through Viva Europa.
Joint EU activities
One of the highlights for this year is the “Sikad Palawan”, where the EU Ambassador and the ambassadors of several EU member states will trail-blaze a bike tour to promote healthy and climate-friendly living.
The bike tour, which covers 200 kilometers, commencing from El Nido to Taytay, Roxas and finally to Puerto Princesa, will start from April 28 to 30.
The following personalities will join the biking tour: EU Ambassador Franz Jessen and his family, Belgian Ambassador Michael Goffin and his family, German Ambassador Gordon Kricke, the Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of France, Mr. Laurent Legodec and the Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of Romania, Mr. Mihai Sison.
The festival will also focus on children’s welfare, education and rights with the “Lakbayin natin ang EU” initiative happening on May 12 at the Museo Pambata; while on May 24, a “Europa, kaibigan ko ‘to” themed poster-making contest will be held for the children. On the same day, a children’s rights summit themed “Una sa Lahat: Bata” (Children First) will be conducted.
To promote the European musical heritage, FEUropa10, a nationwide choir competition will take place from May 26 to 27 at the Far Eastern University.
On May 30, musicians from Austria, the Philippines, Spain and Sweden will play together in a Euro-Pinoy concert. (Eleazar Batalla and Ericka Cirera-OJTs/PNA)
