GRAND WINNER. Bayanihan, the country's national folk dance company, celebrates its grand prize win at the 1st Federation of International Dance Festivals World Championship in Brazil. (Photo courtesy of Fabiene Marchesini/Festival Internacional de Folklore de Nova Prata)
MANILA -- The Philippine Embassy in Brazil on Monday congratulated Bayanihan, the country's national folk dance company, for winning the grand prize at the 1st Federation of International Dance Festivals (FlDAF) World Championship in Brazil.
"Bayanihan, which has just added its 13th international recognition to their belt with this win, not only represented the Philippines but Asia as well, being the only competitor from the region," Ambassador Marichu Mauro said in her congratulatory message to Bayanihan.
Due to the distance between Brazil and the Philippines, cultural exchanges and opportunities to showcase the vibrant Filipino culture to the South American nation were few.
But with Bayanihan's performance during the 15th edition of the Festival lnternacional de Folclore de Nova Prata, where the competition was held, Mauro said Brazilians were able to get a picture of the Philippines' charm.
"I personally offer my congratulations to Ms. Suzie Moya Benitez, Executive Director of Bayanihan and FlDAF Asia Chair, for bringing the Bayanihan to Brazil and consequently, exposing the beautiful culture of the Philippines through dance and music to the people of Brazil," she said.
"It is such an honor that not only did we bring to the Brazilians a glimpse of the beauty and diversity of Philippine culture through dance and music into the festival in Rio Grande do Sul, but we did so in spectacular fashion by leaving an indelible mark in the history of FlDAF in South America for Bayanihan being its first-ever grand winner," she added.
Bayanihan participated in the Nova Prata International Folklore Festival, which ran from 11 to 15 September this year.
Featured during the festival was the first FlDAF World Championship in South America with some of the most representative and outstanding folkloric dance companies of the world competing, including folkloric dance companies from Russia, Mexico, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Brazil and the Philippines.
At the competition, the Philippines was adjudged the best by a jury composed of representatives from Brazil, Spain and Turkey. (PNA)
