Viva Europa 2015: The EU-Philippines Partnership
The Philippines’ connection with Europe goes a long way as shown by our history. It is no surprise then that our country continues to maintain strong relations with the European Union (EU) which is described as a “deep economic and political partnership between 28 countries from the European continent”. The EU-Philippines Partnership covers not only political and economic affairs but also the social aspect. Thus from the month of May to June, we will be witnessing Viva Europa 2015, a toast to the European Union’s distinct culture, right here in our land.
Viva Europa 2015
Viva Europa 2015 celebrates the season of festivals with European art exhibitions, films, poetry recitals, and a two-month European Culinary Festival plus a host of other interesting activities that will familiarize us with EU culture. It is presented by the European Union Cultural Group (EUCG) including the Embassies of the EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, and United Kingdom), the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and the European cultural institutes (Alliance Francaise, British Council, Goethe-Institut, and Instituto Cervantes de Manila) and partners, Museo Pambata, Far Eastern University and philstar.com (online media partner). This yearly event celebrates the founding of the European Union as well as the EU-Philippines Partnership and Friendship.
Joint EU Activities
This year, Viva Europa 2015 is highlighted by at least four joint EU activities comprised of the following:
Lakbayin Natin ang EU! (Journey to EU!)
May 16, Museo Pambata and Various Centers for Children (www.museopambata.org)
This activity will take you on a tour of the European Union without boarding a plane. It promises to be a day of games, arts, crafts, films and language sessions. Museo Pambata, in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines , together with cultural institutions and embassies from the EU member states has been taking children to a virtual trip of the European Union for seven years with each year proving to be better than the last. This year promises to be the best ever, only to be outdone by the next.
Musica FEUROPA – Seventh European Choral Competition
May 22-23, Far Eastern University, Manila (www.feumusica.europa)
Also on its seventh year, Musica FEUROPA is a choral competition organized by Far Eastern University in cooperation with the EU Cultural Group. This competition showcases European music as performed by various choral groups from Metro Manila and other regions. The inclusion of songs in Latin for this year’s competition is especially exciting.
Bersong EuroPinoy
May 26, under Dia del Libro, Instituto Cervantes
Bersong EuroPinoy is on its 6th edition this year. It is a cultural exchange platform in the field of poetry between Europe and the Philippines. During this event, European diplomats and cultural representatives will recite acclaimed poems spoken in their native languages, alongside those of reputable Filipino writers. The theme for this year’s poem recital is “Food, Gastronomy, and Table Pleasures”.
European Culinary Season
May to June, various participating restaurants
Encouraged by the huge success of last year’s culinary season, the European Union brings back its culinary festival to once more feature the rich, diverse, and delectable European cuisine through cooking demonstrations conducted by renowned chefs. Newcomers for this year include Bizu, Chateau 1771, Belcuisine, and Caviar Restaurant and Champagne Bar but the regular participating restaurants are expected to whip up their own culinary surprises. This two-month event will allow Filipinos to have a taste of authentic European food without having to go to Europe.
My Say
I was fortunate to have been invited to the Viva Europa 2015 Press Conference and Launch Reception of the European Culinary Season last May 13. It was held at Brotzeit Restaurant which gave a delicious sampling of German food. It was truly exciting to hear about the planned activities for the event. If I had my way and if only time permitted, I would probably be the first in line in all the activities. Experiential learning is always the best way to do it especially when it comes to culture.
Stay tuned for more announcements about other activities related to Viva Europa 2015!
Karen
I missed this event because we headed in Bulacan for an impromptu bday celebration. Hope there will be Viva Europa event next year. Looking forward to learning more European cuisines
Franc Ramon
I’ve seen Europe once and we could learn a lot from them. It’s nice there are Expo like this to be able to appreciate Europe.
nicole
Wow! This is an amazing event. You’re so lucky to be part of it. I wish I was there too
amayachika
You are so lucky to attend this event and I am pretty sure you made a lot of friends. The friendship of the two countries, Philippines & Europe, will continue as long as we invite and accept with respect their culture and traditions.
Papaleng Pagulong
You’re so lucky to have attended such event. Partnership with other countries through culture sharing is an excellent idea to foster international relationship.
Fernando Ceballos Lachica
It’s great to attend this kind of event and learning the way other countries move to the future. Lots to learn with your own pace.
louisechelle
It is good that we have events such as this to open us to the culture of another country. I know this will somehow strengthen the relationship between Philippines & Europe.
Mary Drixkie Ann Bojador
German food sounds nice. This kind of event is really rewarding. I don’t want to say I envy you…pero I wish I someday I’ll be able to experience events like this.