05 December, 2:00pm and 06 December, 7:30pm
Central Ethnic Orchestra Concert Hall
Christmas is in the air and nobody celebrates it like the Filipinos. As part of a series of cultural activities to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, the Philippines shares with the people of Beijing and Chongqing its unique Christmas traditions through a show entitled "Maligayang Pasko! ("Merry Christmas")– A Filipino Christmas Musical Celebration, featuring the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group (ROFG).
Being the Asian nation with the biggest Christian population, the Philippines' distinct Christmas traditions reflect its indigenous creativity enriched by foreign influences. The country lays claim to having the longest period of Christmas celebration, as festivities begin on 16 December and end on 9 January. But the preparations begin much earlier – as early as September – when people begin the Christmas countdown, play Christmas carols on the radio, and decorate their homes and public places with lanterns and lights. Thus begins weeks of a merry celebration of Christmas every year.
The exuberant Filipino celebration of Christmas – in the form of music and dance, lanterns and lights, religious customs and culinary feasts – reflects the deepest values of the Philippines: it is at heart, a nation that celebrates life, faith in God, and ties with family and community.
This year, the ROFG brings to the cities of Beijing and Chongqing a glimpse of the Philippine Christmas experience. Founded in 1972, the ROFG has documented and performed the dances, music and rituals of more than 50 ethno-linguistic groups of the Philippines. Boasting of over a thousand performances in the Philippines and abroad, the ROFG will showcase the Filipino celebration of Christmas, from the Christmas balls during the Spanish colonial time, to the Pastores (meaning shepherds) folk traditions depicting Mary and Joseph's search for an inn in Bethlehem, and the shepherds who witnessed the Nativity as well as the merry community singing and playing of Christmas music.
As a celebration of friendship, the concert will also present a Chinese string quartet from the Central Conservatory of Music of China. They will perform two well-loved Filipino carols "Kumukuti-kutitap" (Starlight Shining, Twinkling, Shimmering) and "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" (It's Christmas Time, My Love).
This interaction between two cultures with a deep, abiding friendship is a thoughtful and joyful endeavor to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-China diplomatic relations in 2010.
The musical celebration will be held on 5 December (2pm) and 6 December (7:30pm) at the Central Ethnic Orchestra Concert Hall (15 Xiaoying Road, Chaoyang District). Admission is free, but seats are limited.
For inquiries and/or tickets to the Filipino Christmas musical concert, please contact Ms. Myca Fischer of the Philippine Embassy at telephone number tel. no. 6532-2556 or through email: beijing.pe@dfa.gov.ph. For Chinese speakers, please call Mr. Boj Capati at telephone number 6532-1872 ext. 21.
