THE VERY BEST OFUKCULTURESHOWCASEDAT THE GREAT BRITISH FESTIVAL 2018
From movies, books, literature, culture, arts and fashion, and, of course, the English language, the British contribution to the world is truly a lot.
The recently-held Great British Festival 2018 is further manifestation that there’s more to British global influence and contribution as the successful event highlighted once again the very best of the UK’s music, fashion, innovation, food, and arts.
The two week festival which was launched at Glorietta 2 Activity Center in Makati City showcased some of the biggest global UK brands including technology, innovation, and businesses that are already established in the Philippines, with some becoming endeared and popular among Filipinos.
British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce, who led the ribbon cutting ceremony that formally opened the festival activities last February 23, went around the festival area to promote the UK brands among visitors and guests.
“What’s great about the Great British Festival is not only the breadth and depth of our activities, but also the wide range of partners that are joining us in this great celebration of the UK. We have supporters from a wide range of sectors—all doing their bit to promote the Great in Great Britain,” said Pruce, who arrived in the Philippines in August 2017.
After the welcome program, the Ambassador stopped at each booth and interacted with visitors and guests, who enjoyed the delicious assortment of British food and drinks. Guests also had fun experiencing the interactive exhibits staged by the festival’s partner brands: M&S, Speedo, The Body Shop, Lush, Shell, STI Limited, Digital Barriers, Diageo, Quorn, Costa Coffee, and Union Jack Tavern.
Some worthwhile activities guests enjoyed at the The Great British Festival included a trivia challenge, British film screenings, and storytelling for the children. Visitors also enjoyed
the Rockaoke Contest (with a first prize of two tickets to London on Etihad Airways) and the whisky pavilion.
Pruce said the links between the Philippines and the UK stretch back across the centuries and the two countries have been enjoying friendly and close relations in recent times.
“We are a dynamic, modern and diverse country. Proud of our past and looking confidently to our future. And I see a great potential for our two countries to become even closer in the future,” said Pruce.
As to the links between the Philippines, and the UK, Pruce said the number of students from the Philippines who are coming to the UK to study is growing.
“We now have nearly 20 universities in both our countries working together to deliver joint qualifications. The UK benefits from a thriving community of over 200,000 Filipino nationals living and working in our society, making an enormous contribution to our country. More and more Brits are coming here to live and work—nearly 17,000. Over 200 British companies are operating here, with many more eager to come. Our governments work together on many of the challenges facing the world, from climate change to tackling the illegal wildlife trade,” said Pruce.
Pruce hopes the Great British Festival will inspire Filipinos to enjoy the creativity, innovation, culture, heritage and knowledge that spell Britain’s success in fashion, music, food, education and design.
“I hope through the festival, people would become a bit more interested in the UK and want to know a little bit more about the country. I hope they would become more aware of the British brands that are here in the Philippines.”
Beyond the launch event at the Glorietta Activity Center, the Great British Festival 2018 was also held across the coun- try, with a variety of activities in Metro Manila, Baguio, Dumaguete, Iloilo, and Cebu from February 23 to March 10.
The activities included: Artkitektura, a forum on global architecture and urban developments (Feb. 24); British Bakeoff, a competition hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce (Feb. 24); a series of lectures led by UK experts (Feb. 27 in UP Diliman and Feb. 28 in De La Salle University); a talk by the British Ambassador on British excellence, transnational education, and UK business excellence (Mar. 1 in Saint Louis University, Baguio and Mar. 5-6 in Siliman University, Dumaguete); Trade Mission in Iloilo City from Mar. 7-9, and; a showcase of the best of British food and drink in Cebu City in association with Chef Jason Atherton (Mar. 9).
The Great British Festival 2018 was supported by the British Council, the British Chamber of Commerce, Glorietta, HSBC, St. Andrew’s Society, National Book Store, Jollibee, FDCP, Triumph Motorbikes, Unilever, Clarks, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mothercare, Cath Kidston, Shakeaway, Superdry, Hamleys, Santos Knight Frank, The Pig and Palm, British Women’s Association, Siliman University, Saint Louis University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines and TM Lewin.