DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                                                                             2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                                                        Tel. No. 834-4000 
SFA-AGR-587-07                                                                                                                                                       23 June 2007

PHILIPPINE CULTURAL PRESENTATION AND EXHIBIT IMPRESS EGYPTIAN AUDIENCE AT EL SAWY CULTURAL CENTER


Philippine Ambassador to Cairo Petronila P Garcia (center) beams as she poses by the Philippine exhibit of handicrafts, home decor and clothes with (from left) Third Secretary and Vice Consul Gonaranao B Musor. Second Secretary and Consul Charmaine Rowena C Aviquivil, RP-Egypl Friendship Association President Dr Ali Koury. Filipino Womens Group President Helly Soliman, Finance Officer Lizabeth Heath-Mounsey and Consular Assistant and Attache Maelani P. Revilla The Embassy participated in the "National Days” event organized by the El Sawy Culture Wheel on the evening of 29 June 2007 al Sakia's Garden. El Sawy Culture Wheel Complex in Zamalek, Cairo .

23 July 2007—The Philippine Embassy in Cairo . Egypt reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs its successful participation in the 'National Days" event organized by the El Sawy Culture Wheel on trie evening of 29 June 2007 at Safca's Garden. El Sawy Culture Wheel Complex in Zamatek. Cairo  

'National Days' is a monthly event hosted by the El Sawy Culture Wheel that gathers all embassies celebrating tneir respective national days for that particular month for an evening of cultural presentations. The El Sawy Culture Wheel is a non-profit Egyptian organization founded by Mr Mohamed A M. El Sawy. son of Egypt's former Culture Minister It alms to promote cultural awareness and make art and culture more accessible to the Egyptian masses through plays, photo and art exhibits, local and foreign film showings, art lessons and other summer workshops for children and teens, and joint projects with various embassies in Cairo. 


Filipino teens perform a Maranao dance combining the steps of the Kap Malong-malong and Pagapir dances. The Pagapir depicts the royal manner of walking of Maranao ladies, with each dancer gracefully manipulating a fan, while the Kap Malong-Malong shows the many ways of wearing a malong.

The Philippine Embassy was one among seven countries that participated in El Sawy’s cultural event for the month of June. It took the opportunity to showcase the Philippines ' unique cultural hentage, and build awareness on its scenic spots and cuisine among the Egyptian public.  

The evening's guests, composed mostly of Egyptian students and culture/art enthusiasts, diplomatic community members, and Filipino community leaders, intently watched the performance of a Maranao dance that combined the steps of the Kap Malong-malong and Pagapir dances The Pagapir depicts the royal manner of walking of Maranao ladies, with each dancer gracefully manipulating a fan. while the Kap Malong-Malong shows the many ways of wearing a malong They were likewise entertained with the lively performance of the Tinikling by teens from the Filipino community, and were especially delighted with the Itik-itik. which was performed by little girts aged 5-10. all of whom are daughters of Embassy personnel.  


The audience at the "National Days" cultural event held on 29 June 2007 at the El Sawy Culture Wheel in Zamalek was especially delighted with the Itik-itik, which was performed by cute little girls aged 5-10, all of whom are daughters of Embassy personnel.

Guests flocked to the Philippine booth, which featured an exhibit of Filipino handicrafts, clothing, accessories and home decor, a display of food products from Dole Philippines , and tourism information materials Majority were greatly impressed with the quality and workmanship of the Philippine handicrafts on display, especially the capiz and cocowood home decor and native basketware. as well as with the intricate designs and hand embroidery of the jusi barong and ternos Many of the guests expressed their wish to purchase or order the products.

Dr Ali Korey. President of the RP-Egypt Friendship Association, delivered a brief talk on how his organization promotes friendly ties between the Philippines and Egypt . A short audio-visual presentation on Philippine tourist attractions was also appreciated by the audience.  

The evening ended with a sampling of Filipino refreshments such as puto. ensaymada. empanada. dried mangoes and papayas from Dole Philippines and buko pandan- flavored sago drink, which the guests thoroughly enjoyed. END

/jay

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