On 24 September 2016, the Bayanihan Filipino Biel organized a Cultural Night at the Calvinhaus in Biel to celebrate its 15th Anniversary. More than 300 guests, composed of a large number of Swiss locals and members of the Filipino community attended the event.
The Philippine Embassy was represented by Ms. Maria Theresa S. M. Lazaro, Minister and Consul General; Ms. Irene A. Sadang, Cultural Officer and Mr. Abner C. Sto. Domingo, Protocol Officer.
In her welcome message, Consul General Lazaro, commended the Bayanihan Filipino Biel for helping profile and mainstream Philippine cultural heritage in Switzerland.
“I am happy to see so many second generation Swiss-Filipinos tonight. I hope that cultural events like this will introduce them to their rich Philippine cultural heritage and encourage them to embrace their Philippine roots and values,” said Ms. Lazaro.
The presence of a large number of Swiss at the event was a testament to the group’s success in mainstreaming Philippine culture in Switzerland. Representatives from the local Swiss media, both TV and radio, were also present at the event.
The program was a mix of cultural dances representing the different regions in the Philippines, to name a few: Ragragsakan Dance of the Kalinga tribe in the Cordilleras; Kadal Tahu, a traditional dance of the T’boli tribe; Cariñosa, Tiklos and Tinikling from the Visayan region. The latter served as a finale, during which a number of people from the audience enthusiastically participated.
A special number was rendered by Berlin-based Swiss Filipino equilibrist, Mario Español, who trained at the State Ballet School and School of Circus Arts in Berlin.
Mr. Español and a friend in the pole
Aside from the repertoire of cultural dances, the guests were also treated to an array of Filipino cuisine prepared by the members of the group.
The Bayanihan Filipino Biel is one of the Filipino associations in Switzerland that promote Philippine culture and, at the same time, supports charity works of a number of foundations in the Philippines such as Island Kids Philippines (IKP) in Cagayan de Oro and Cancer Warriors in Lucena, Quezon. END
