The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok participated in an exhibit of ASEAN arts and culture during the 2011 International Conference on ASEAN Cultural Diversity at the Raktakanishta Hall, Suan Dusi Rajabhat University on Aug. 2-4, 2011. The other participating ASEAN countries were Thailand, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Vietnam.
The Philippine booth showcased unique aspects of local culture such as parol-making, kiping, informative brochures on Philippine folk dances and traditions, and herbal tea products (ampalaya, sambong, banaba and lagundi) as alternative medicine. The other participants also featured distinctive aspects of their art and culture such as paintings for the Embassy of Vietnam, textile, dolls in traditional attire and handicrafts for the Embassy of Lao PDR, and textile, traditional attire and handicrafts for the Malaysian Embassy. There were also demonstrations and short lectures on Ikebana, Thai floral arrangement, Dusit culinary school, and E-learning school.
The ASEAN Cultural Diversity Conference serves as a platform for academics across the region to share their research and knowledge on the richness and diversity of culture in Southeast Asia, particularly on food, performing arts, handicrafts and alternative medicine.
Ms. Sylvia M. Reyes with the Philippine booth exhibit featuring Philippine lanterns, kipings, informative brochures on Philippine folk dances, traditions and tourism, as well as herbal tea as alternative medicine.
Participants to the exhibit were given recognition as the opening ceremony of the Conference. From left to right: Mr. Nazaruzin Ja’afar, First Secretary of the Embassy of Malaysia, Mr. Khamphone Vongsanty, First Secretary of the Embassy of Lao P.D.R, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chavanee Tongroach, VP for Research and Development of the Suan Dusit Rajahat University, H.E. Mr. Ngo Duc Thang, Ambassador of Vietnam, Ms. Chansuda Rukspollnuang, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministryof Culture, Ms. Sylvia Reyes, Cultural Officer of the Philippine Embassy, and Ms. Tashinee Osayanon & Mrs. Okamoto of the Ikebana Sogetsu Study Group.
The 2011 International Conference on ASEAN Cultural Diversity Exhibit at the lobby of the Suan Dusity Rajabhat University. Shown in the picture are the booths of the Embassy of Laos (left side), the Embassy of Malaysia (middle), and the Embassy of the Philippines (right side).
Photos supplied by Cultural Officer Sylvia M. Reyes
