'VIVA EUROPA'. The European Union delegation to the Philippines launches Viva Europa 2019 in a press briefing in Makati City on Monday (April 8, 2019). Viva Europa is part of EU's cultural diplomacy which aims at reinforcing mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people links. (PNA photo by Christine Cudis)
MANILA -- The European Union (EU) delegation to the Philippines puts children in the spotlight this year as they included exciting activities like stargazing in their annual culture season, Viva Europa.
In cooperation with the Manila Astronomical Society, the EU delegation will conduct a stargazing activity and a session on stars and constellations for interested youths and other sectors on the third week of May.
This, as the EU delegation forms a partnership with Museo Pambata - along with the Embassies of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, and the Philippine-Italian Association.
“It will give disadvantaged children the opportunity to hear European stories and to participate in games and other fun cultural activities,” EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said in a press briefing.
The culture season “Goes Techno” as the overarching theme for the Europa Day on May 9 following the Copernicus Program Conference last March.
The Copernicus Program is a cornerstone of EU efforts to monitor the Earth and its many ecosystems from integrated space and ground-based data. The European system uses satellites for monitoring the Earth and is able to provide high-resolution imagery on a daily basis, generating precise information that can be utilized in multiple fields such as food security, deforestation, climate change, pollution, and natural disasters. The high-resolution data provided by Copernicus is also used by innovative businesses to develop satellite-enabled products and services.
Along with Copernicus-related activities, Viva Europa 2019 will cover topics like children's rights, environmental protection, and music.
Additionally, the Schuman Cup will be held on May 4 in Ayala Alabang to help educate Filipino children from disadvantaged communities about football and how this is played in Europe.
European diplomats will also test their skills in football as they will compete against Filipino professional players in friendly matches. The Schuman Cup is a one-day football festival that aims to foster stronger ties between the European Union and the Philippines through sports and camaraderie.
It reflects the peace and unity commemorated during the Schuman Cup, as well as promotes the fundamental values upheld by the EU -- respect, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law.
The signature events for this year is the "Euro-Pinoy Concert" which will be held at The Ruins in Poblacion, Makati on May 7 and "Musica FEUropa", the annual nationwide choir competition at the Far Eastern University from May 25 to 26.
For the Euro-Pinoy Concert, the performers will come from the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain and the Philippines. Czech composer Lukas Sommer, Spanish flamenco guitarist Alex Alcaraz, Filipino percussionist Jean Paul Zialcita, and Filipina-German DJ Marie Badkiss will join the show. (PNA)
