Culture takes centerstage at NAIA

MANILA,Philippines—For any country, the airport is a person’s first and last stop—our impression of an airport influences the perception that we will eventually form on the country. To celebrate the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2017, in conjunction with ASEAN’s 50th Anniversary, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)continues to mount interactive exhibitions at theNAIA Terminal 3 departure and arrival areasfrom July to December 2017.

“We are excited about this project as this is the first of its kind in the country.

These exhibits translateour goal to promote ASEAN awareness and to further strengthen the ASEAN community through dynamic development by highlighting uniqueness among its cultures, and at the same time emphasizing its commonalities,” says Ms. Annie Luis, Head of the NCCA’s International Affairs Office.

Currently installed at the Terminal 3 Domestic Departure is Woven Identities: Clothing Traditions of the ASEAN, which features exquisite traditional fabrics and attire from each of the 10 ASEAN Member States.

On the International Departure area is an interactive exhibition, The Philippines in ASEAN, which turn the spotlight on the 2017 Philippine Chairmanship and the Philippine identity within the context of the ASEAN community. It features a highly colorful, childfriendly installation complete with a book nook.

In addition, anyone can download a free mobile application ofThe Philippines in ASEAN on their phones to enhance their ex- hibit experience. In the coming months, Tayo, will be installed at the International arrival concourse hallway. Tayowill showcase Filipino values, diverse languages, ethnographic crafts, and epic traditions that map out our footprint as a people of strength and ingenuity.

As the gateway to the influx ofASEAN delegates, includinglocal and foreign tourists during the Summit season, NAIA Terminal 3 is the ideal venue to host this project featuring various facets of ASEAN while highlightingthe rich Filipino heritage and traditions.

Under the Airport Exhibition Program, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partnership with the Manila International Airport Authority, will continue to provide cultural “edutainment” for guests that pass through the airport. Curating the exhibits on behalf of the NCCA is CulturAID, Inc., a non-government organization and exhibit systems curatorial, which closely engages with the Filipino indigenous communities. As an NGO, it aims to popularize and create discussions on Philippine cultural identity and heritage.

The NCCA is the overall policy-making body, coordinating, and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture.

Since its creation in 1992, the NCCA has been instrumental in preserving, bridging and sustaining indigenous culture and heritage across the Philippine archipelago.

For more information, please contact the Public Affairs and Information Office of the NCCA through telephone numbers 527-2192 local 628 and 527-5229.