BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
Cultural diplomacy at its finest. The first-ever Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Festival drew its curtains to a marvelous close yesterday at the Katara Esplanade providing visitors a window into the cultural identity of each of the seven participating Asean countries via a blend of performances, cuisine, handicraft and tourism products.
From the elegant ‘Singkil’ of the Philippines to the lively ‘Serng Kratip’ of Thailand to the spectacular ‘Pakarena’ of Indonesia, the dances captivated thousands in the audience comprising citizens and expatriates who applauded them for their distinct character representing the uniqueness of each of the neighbouring nations.
The Kaloob Philippine Music and Dance Ministry, a research-based folk dance troupe, provided a glimpse of the diversity of the 7,107-island nation of the Philippines rendering a number of Filipino dances.
Among the dance items Kaloob performed were the ‘Singkil’, an ancient dance based on a popular Philippine epic from the southern region of the country and the ‘La Jota Moncadeña,’ a Filipino adaptation of an old Spanish dance. Accompanied by live music played using indigenous percussion and stringed instruments, the performers danced using scarves, fans, bamboo sticks and castanets further enhancing their already vibrant movements.
The Thai troupe wowed crowds with a medley of stunning items including ‘Dance of the Four Regions,’ ‘Srivijaya’ and ‘Serng Kratip.’
In the ‘Dance of the Four Regions,’ they provided a vista into the cultural nuances of northern, southern, northeast and central regions of Thailand through a fusion of short dances corresponding to each geographical region. Performing the ‘Serng Kratip,’ the troupe projected the jovial mood of the harvest season in the rural region of Isaan. In their performance of ‘Srivijaya,’ they showcased the way of life of the ancient kingdom which extended from the eighth to the 13th centuries.
Highlights of the performance of the 28-member dance troupe from Indonesia included the ‘Bajidor Kahot’ and ‘Pakarena,’ the former a new dance from Western Java while the latter a dance of royalty in Gowa Regency in South Solawesi, Indonesia. Using fans, the dancers mesmerized the audience with their delicate hand and foot movements reflecting deep emotions and aesthetic beauty as well as spectacular formations.
A 22-member troupe from the Department of Culture and Arts of Malaysia performed a medley of dances that showed the Malay culture with traces of Chinese and Indian influences ranging from ancient to modern.
The two-hour long show also featured musical performances of Singaporean child prodigies Tricia, 10, and Nicole, 9, who played classical music displaying outstanding skills in playing violin and piano even at a tender age. The Doha-based sisters, who are under the tutelage of prominent musicians, headlined the show as they rendered a number of striking tunes to the delight of the crowd.
Artistes from Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam also unveiled aspects of their rich heritage through their presentations at the three-day show organised by the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD) and hosted by Katara. Donning elaborate traditional costumes, the troupes depicted the solidarity among the Asean countries in Doha telling their own cultural narratives through songs and dances.
Apart from the performances, the festival provided visitors a culinary journey into the authentic cuisines of the seven countries. The visitors also had the opportunity to purchase quality handicrafts produced in each country as well as see various tourist attractions and products in store for travelers.
Judging from the attendance and the audience’s reaction, the three-day cultural event was deemed a success not merely in providing a truly unique show by professional troupes but in enabling cultural dialogue among Asean countries, host country Qatar and other nations.
More than its entertainment value, the event derives its significance from the fact that cultural exchange has proved effective in the promotion of respect and recognition of cultural diversity and heritage which ultimately leads to global peace and stability.
The Peninsula
