14 April 2010
VIVA EUROPA 2010 REFLECTS EU'S RICH, DISTINCTIVE
AND COLORFUL CULTURAL TAPESTRY
"Viva" is the Spanish version of "Mabuhay", an exclamation of acclaim which is very
much reflective of the rich, distinctive and colorful cultural tapestry of the European Union,
under the Spanish Presidency from January to June of this year.
Traditionally held in May, this year's celebration will be extended, running from April
to June 2010 and showcasing the best of European Union's arts, music, dance, film, languages
and poetry.
The Europe Months' festivities will open with the "Bersong EuroPinoy 2", a recital of
European poetry by European diplomats and known Filipino writers on 24 April in Instituto
Cervantes de Manila. This poetry exchange coincides with the popular "Dia del Libro"
(International Book Day) in Spain. This is the second time that this poetry recital is being held
in view of a very successful event last year.
A European children's festival dubbed "Lakbayin Natin ang Europa 2" (Journey to
Europe) is also held for the second time, to enable Filipino children to experience a weeklong
festival of children's films, literature, storytelling, arts and crafts and lots of merrymaking and
fun from 18 to 22 May in Museo Pambata, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
On 25 May, the awarding ceremony for Europe Ko To's assemblage contest will be
held in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This assemblage contest out of recycled
materials has as theme "Unity in Diversity", the European Union's motto. The contest is
being held in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine
Women's University. Last year, a similar contest was held in Southern Luzon.
Far Eastern University in Manila joins the celebrations for the second time by
spearheading a choral contest for both high school and college students, in collaboration with
the EU cultural group. The choral competitions will be held from 26 to 28 May at FEU,
Manila.
The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, in partnership with the EU
Cultural Group, the College of Saint Benilde and The Philippine Blog Awards, is launching
this quarter a music video competition about the EU. Exciting prizes, including the
opportunity to be featured in cinema ads, await the lucky MTV enthusiast. The awarding
ceremony will be held in November 2010. Theme of the contest is "Ang Aking Europa" (or
"My Europe") to encourage young people to offer their impressions about the EU in the
Philippines by way of a music video.
The Europe Months' festivities are presented by the Delegation of the European Union
to the Philippines and the European Union's representatives in Manila, including the
Embassies of the EU Member States ( the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom) as
well as their cultural institutes (Alliance Française de Manille, British Council, GoetheInstitut Philippinenen and Instituto Cervantes de Manila.)
Partners for joint EU activities include the following: Cultural Center of the
Philippines, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Far Eastern University, Insular Life
Corporation, Globaltronics, Museo Pambata, Philippine Women's University, The Philippine
Blog Awards and Yo Cards.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
10, 17, 24 April
Cinema at Instituto Cervantes: European Co-productions
A film cycle which showcases movies co-produced between Spain and some European
countries like Portugal, Andorra and France. 6 pm. (Free entrance)
22 April
The Prado Project: Dialogue with the Masters
Ayala Museum, Makati
The Embassy of Spain and the Ayala Museum present The Prado Project which aims to
initiate a dialogue between Filipino contemporary artists with the old masters in the collection
of Museo Nacional del Prado in Spain. Filipino and Spanish artists are to interpret any of the
iconic selected reproductions of these masterpieces from the Museo Nacional del Prado.
17 April
Berso sa Metro: Poetry Jeepney Tour
A Poetry Reading in several spots around Metro Manila
An interesting way of spreading literature, this poetry reading tour comprise Filipino and
Spanish poets reciting some of their most relevant poems in each stop. With participants
onboard an electrical jeepney, this tour is truly a unique way of reminding people of the
beauty of words as they speed to their destinations. (11 am: Powerbooks, Greenbelt. 2pm: A
Different Bookstore, Fort Bonifacio. 8pm: Magnet Café. Free entrance).
18 April
Fiets on Earth. Bike the Planet
Tiendesitas, Pasig
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands launches its Fiets on Earth Bike the Planet
project as it supports the Earth day Network Philippines festivities in the 12th Annual Tour of
the Fireflies – launching Firefly Brigade's installation of bike racks in the Metro and holding a
competition for best proposals in utilising Dutch bikes in an environmentally sustainable
manner.(Open to the public; www.fireflybrigade.org and tourofthefireflies.multiply.com)
April to July
"Allons en France" Contest (Let's go to France)
Filipino students 16 to 20 years old get the chance to win a ten-day trip to France next July by
creating a video in French about transportation system and heritage preservation in
Philippines before 30 April. (http://www.ambafrance-ph.org)
Every Wednesday of May
Cine-club at Alliance at Alliance Francaise de Manille
Alliance is organising film screenings by French and Filipino directors. You can experience
French food at Le Coude Rouge restaurant before the movie and until 10 pm.
7 to 20 May
El Eco. A tribute to Miguel Hernandez
SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong
In his first solo exhibit, Filipino painter Les Marcos reinterprets the work of the Spanish poet.
Galerie Anna, Art Walk, 4 th Floor, SM Mega Mall.
4 May
Romanian Wine Festival
Spicy Fingers, Greenbelt 2
The Embassy of Romania presents an opportunity for wine lovers to indulge and experience
the exciting selection of traditional high-flavoured Romanian wine favourites. (By invitation
only)
7 to 20 May
El Eco. A Tribute to Miguel Hernández
SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong
In his first solo exhibit, Filipino painter Lex Marcos reinterprets the work of the Spanish poet.
Galerie Anna, Art Walk, 4 th Floor, SM Mega Mall.
24 May
ECCP Golf Challenge 2010
Sta Elena Golf and Country Club
Fore! The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines will once more hold its Annual
Golf Challenge with its shotgun at 8am and 36 System format.
25 May
Spanish Poets in Mexico
Instituto Cervantes de Manila
A lecture by Dr. Juan Carlos Pascual showing the literature produced by Spanish writers
exiled in Mexico after the Civil War. Instituto Cervantes, 7pm. (Free entrance).
8, 15, 22, 29 May
Cinema at Instituto Cervantes
Spanish Gay. A film cycle where Spanish gay-themed movies will be featured every Saturday
for the whole month of May. 6pm. (Free entrance).
24 to 30 May
Rap in Tondo
The Alliance Française de Manille and Goethe Institut Philippinen present Rap in Tondo as
French and German hip hop artists "Bio MC Narco and DJ Eskei83" will collaborate with the
hip hop artists of Tondo, "Sigaw ng Tondo". Workshops, dances and battle contest will
complete the gaiety associated with hip hop and at the same time, engage the population of
the slum area.
Whole Month of May
15th French Film Festival in Manila
French contemporary films and retrospective programmes will be screened in Shangri-La
Plaza, Powerplant Rockewell, Cultural Center of the Philippines and the UP Film Institute.
2 June
Concert of Italian Violinist Uto Ughi for Italian National Day
Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines
One of the finest violinists in the world, Uto Ughi, accompanied by Italian pianist Alessandor
Specchi, will delight the audience with some of the most popular virtuoso pieces for violin.
5,19, 26 June
Cinema at Instituto Cervantes
Dias de futbol
In celebration of the World Cup, Instituto Cervantes showcases a film cycle on some of the
best Spanish football films. 6pm (Free entrance).
14 to 18 June
Contemporary Dance
PETA
The Eoilipile Company will be guest performers of PETA Theater this week where they will
perform twice with two shows around Kung-Fu. Young Filipino choreographers will be
invited to perform. Workshop will also give the opportunity for dancers to learn from Lin
Yuan Shang. This is a collaboration of the Embassy of France and PETA.
15 June
Painting and Dancing Flamenco
Yuchengco Museum
In order to celebrate the end of the Spanish Presidency, the Embassy of Spain presents an
exposition of flamenco paintings and a flamenco concert.
19 June
El Dia E-Day of Spanish Language
Instituto Cervantes de Manila
A grand celebration that underscores the relevance of the Spanish language, the main global
language next to English. Instituto Cervantes. 10 am. onwards (Free entrance)
22 June
Book Presentation: Jesus Balmori's Los pajaros de fuego
Instituto Cervantes de Manila
Biblioteca Claiscos Hispanofilipinos, a project aiming to preserve the works of Fil-Hispanic
authors, presents the "lost novel" of the best Filipino writer from the beginning of the 20th
century. Instituto Cervantes, 7pm (Free entrance).
Further information: http://www.delphl.ec.europa.eu