13 June 2012 - The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait held an open house Filipino Bazaar, dubbed as "Barrio Fiesta sa Embahada", on June 8 at the Embassy Grounds to commence its celebration of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Shulan O. Primavera welcomed roughly 1,000 guests who were all psyched for the lineup of activities.
"Hospitality is a common denominator in the Filipino character and this is what distinguishes the Filipino. Filipinos are out for fun where-ever possible, that is why 'it's more fun in the Philippines!'" mentioned Ambassador Primavera.
Present during the Barrio Fiesta were members of the Filipino community, members of the diplomatic corps, performers, participants, and Embassy friends.
Three cultural presentations showcased world-class Filipino talents. The Embassy invited the two Philippine schools in Kuwait, New Kuwait- Philippines International School and Philippine International English School, respectively, to render cultural dance performances while the Arnis Supreme Defense Balintawak "The Filipino Martial Arts" astonished the audience with their Arnis exhibition and tricks.
The event was participated in by Filipino organizations, individuals, and business operators who set up booths to promote and sell their products and services. Among these products were Filipino food, handicrafts, accessories, among others, which awed guests with Filipino creativity.
Kids and adults enjoyed various traditional and contemporary Filipino games such as Maria Went to Town, Pinoy Henyo, Paluan ng Palayok, and Pabitin. An impromptu videoke contest for amateur singers was also one of the highlights of the night, with a lot of exciting prizes awarded to the winners courtesy of Ambassador Primavera, Vice Consul Rea Oreta and Vice Consul Sheila Monedero.
Shortly after the games, a live band show was performed by two Filipino bands based in Kuwait. The crowd danced to the beat of various pop and alternative original Pilipino music (OPM).
The event aimed to introduce and/or further promote Filipino products, culture and tradition in line with the Embassy's renewed thrust towards cultural and economic diplomacy. END
