Malaysian Embassy organizes cross-cultural art program
IN conjunction with the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Philippines, the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, Artdialogo Asia Founding Artist and Chief Executive Officer Anna Karina Jardin and the Department of Education’s Schools Division of Malabon, organized a cross-cultural art program named Seniskwela was held at the Tinajeros National High School, Malabon City, on February 26.
Seniskwela, derived from the Bahasa Melayu term for Art, “Seni” combined with a Tagalog term for school, “skwela” was designed for artists, youth and educators to discover new cultures and traditions.
Seniskwela featured a drawing or painting competition, an art workshop, panel discussion and breakout sessions that served as platforms for collaboration, talent and leadership development, youth empowerment, and the promotion of inclusive public or cultural diplomacy through an artistic and cultural education lens.
Tourism Malaysia also had a booth showcasing traditional Malaysian costumes for the students to try on and pose for pictures, as well as an explanation of Malaysian ornaments and crafts.
In Malabon, Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino also took the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on Mayor Jeannie Sandoval at City Hall, visit the Department of Education’s district office and learn about the City of Malabon’s disaster management system.
Through Seniskwela, the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila hoped the participants were able to gain exposure to help develop a better understanding of the world around them, as well as to learn to appreciate the similarities and differences between Malaysia and the Philippines.