15 countries join IFLC in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Dances, music, arts and poetry from 15 countries are coming to Manila for the 13th International Festival of Language and Culture (IFLC). With the commitment to bring together the different cultures of the world and sharing them with those of our neighboring countries, the 13th IFLC will be held on March 3 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila from 7 to 10 p.m.

Fifteen nations including the USA, Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Indonesia, France, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Madagascar, Mongolia, Romania, Tanzania, Tajikistan and Germany are to participate and bring their own cultural dance or music group to the festival.

The festivities will kick-off tomorrow at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where a welcoming reception will be hosted by the Department of Tourism. It will be followed by jeepney and bus tours within Manila. The jeepneys will be decorated by local artists. A gala dinner for foreign and local dignitaries will be held in the evening.

The main event on March 3 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater will feature performances by participating nations showcasing their culture, art and tourism. Themed “World Languages & Cultures” as an extended version of the original theme “Colors of the World,” IFLC invited major languages like English, Spanish and Chinese for integration into the competition.

Participants in the international competition are selected and can compete in 19 categories and age groups. The Philippines will be represented by 12 students competing with delegates from the participating countries.

As an annual international cultural event-competition, IFLC aims to contribute to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Philippines by encouraging and motivating students in secondary schools, colleges as well as adult learners to showcase their knowledge, skills and cultural uniqueness in a friendly contest.

For the first time, the 13th ILCF’s pre-qualification is sponsored by the Turkish Cultural Center, in cooperation with the Integrative Center for Alternative Development Foundation in Manila and co-organized by the Pacific Dialogue Foundation and the Turkish Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

This event is in partnership with the Department of Tourism, National Commission for Culture and the Arts , National Youth Commission, Philippine Army-CMOG, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Department of Education, PTV4, GN, Bases Concersion and Development Authority, Megaworld International and Chef Tony’s Gourmet Popcorn.

For details, contact Sylvia Villalobos at tel 571-3910 or [email protected]