Philippine culture was celebrated in Qatar at the ‘Cultural Diversity in Community’ programme organized by the Ministry of Culture and Filipino community group KulinaryaQatar. The event featured a showcase of Filipino arts, crafts, music, dance, fashion, and food, highlighting the cultural diversity within the community. Attendees, including Director of the Department of Culture and Arts Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Dulaimi and Philippine Ambassador to Qatar H E Lillibeth V Pono, enjoyed a day filled with artistic expression and cultural exchange.
One of the main highlights of the event was a free drawing workshop led by watercolour artist Adrian Aleluya. The workshop, aimed at children aged 8 to 15, focused on teaching the basics of art, such as lines, shapes, forms, values, and texture. Aleluya was supported by a team of talented artists, including Arsenio Jr. Nidoy, Rommel Lopena, Eugene Espinosa, Wilma Frias-Lazaro, and Alice Deleonio, who provided guidance and inspiration to the young participants.
Children who attended the workshop expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the artists. Nine-year-old Mary Cassie Sison shared, “The workshop was so much fun! I learned how to draw better and use different techniques. The artists were really nice and helped me a lot.” Another participant, 10-year-old Izzat Jamai Chbirou, said, “I loved learning about shapes and textures. It was exciting to see how different artists create their work. I want to practice more and become as good as them someday.”
After the workshop, the artists demonstrated their skills in a live painting session, creating still life and figure paintings for the audience to enjoy. Arsenio Jr Nidoy, the Workshops & Education Officer of the Filipino Arts Society, expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing the opportunity to showcase Filipino talent and promote cultural exchange and artistic development. Program Head Rommel Lopena highlighted the importance of promoting cultural understanding and appreciation through art, emphasizing the role of cultural institutions in fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community.
Overall, the event was a success in promoting cultural diversity and artistic expression within the community. Through the collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, KulinaryaQatar, and the Filipino Arts Society, the event highlighted how art can bridge cultures and bring people together. The dedication of the artists and the support from cultural institutions played a crucial role in creating a platform for cultural exchange and artistic development. Participants left the event feeling inspired and eager to continue practicing their newfound artistic skills in the future.
