Experience Europe in the Philippines as EU launches ‘Viva Europa 2019’

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen (center) with cultural officers and attaches of embassies of EU member states during the launching of “Viva Europea 2019” in Makati City. Photo by Daphne Galvez / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos can now experience European culture and heritage without leaving the country.

The European Union (EU) on Monday launched its annual summer cultural festival in the Philippines to bring European culture and heritage to Filipinos.

“Viva Europa 2019,”  will run from April to June, featuring  exhibitions, bike tours and concerts, among others.

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said this year’s edition of  “Viva Europa” is aimed at “reinforcing mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people links.”

“What we’re trying to do is trying to move away from our usual way of working in Manila, when we’re often focused on political issues, economic issues, and global issues,” Jessen said in a press conference in Makati City.

“We’re trying to bring Europe closer to the hearts of the people in Manila and in the Philippines. We do that by bringing some of the things where Europe is strongest. That, of course, is European culture,” he added.

“Viva Europa” is organized by the EU Delegation to the Philippines, and the embassies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.

It is also in coordination with Alliance Francaise, the British Council, the Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes and the Philippine-Italian Association.

Activities

This year’s “Viva Europa” will hold its first stargazing event and a session on stars and constellations for the youth in line with its theme “EU Goes Techno.”

The cultural event will also highlight topics like children’s rights, environmental protection, and music.

On May 6- 7, the EU will also hold a bike tour in Bohol in a bid to promote protecting the environment and practicing a sustainable lifestyle.

A one-day football festival, the Schuman Cup, will be held in May 4 in Ayala Alabang to help educate disadvantaged Filipino children about football and the way it is played in Europe.

European diplomats will also be competing with Filipino professional players.

The EU delegation, with Museo Pambata and embassies of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, and the Philippine-Italian Association, will also hold story-telling activities for disadvantaged children, giving them the opportunity to hear European stories, games and other cultural activities.

In introducing the music of Europe to the Philippines, the EU will stage the “Euro-Pinoy Concert,” featuring  performers from the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain and the Philippines, including Czech composer Lukas Sommer, Spanish flamenco guitarist Alex Alcaraz, Filipino percussionist Jean Paul Zialcita, and half-German, half-Filipina DJ Marie Badkiss at The Ruins of Poblacion in Makati City.

A nationwide choir competition at the Far Eastern University will also be held from May 25 to 26.  / gsg