Nannies to turn performers at arts fest
DUBAI — The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) is calling on all UAE-based Filipino artists, singers, performers, photographers and writers to participate in a fourday arts festival promoting Philippine cultural heritage.
The event, dubbed Arté Pilipinas, is presented by the Philippines Business Council (PBC) in partnership with the PCG. It will take place at the Dubai Design District (d3) from February 4-7 next year.
“Arté Pilipinas is a first-of-its-kind community festival showcasing the rich culture from Philippines and its UAE-based diaspora,” Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes told Khaleej Times.
Arté Pilipinas is also conceived as a platform where local artists can sell their works.
Participation in Arté Pilipinas is open to all Filipinos who are UAE residents. They can take part in the arts festival by submitting their portfolios via www.artepilipinas.com on or before October 15 and shortlisted participants will be announced on November 17.
According to PBC, applications are open to individuals or collectives and proposals can be any subject or theme under a family friendly festival suitable for all ages.
One group of Filipino performers that will be participating at Arté Pilipinas is United Filipino Culture and Arts (UFCA), an artist collective composed mostly of nannies, F&B service and logistics staff.
The group, which has around 45 members, is a regular fixture at Philippine events and has performed across the UAE, including Dubai Parks and Resorts during the recent Philippine Independence Day celebrations.
“Our mission is to bring together our kababayan (countrymen) from different parts of the country to promote Philippine performing arts,” UFCA co-founder and choreographer Zander Aringoy told Khaleej Times.
“We have performed a fusion of traditional music with a modern twist; we do our choreography and have performed in various stages. But what is most important is we have found time out of busy work to promote Philippine culture and arts not just to our kababayan but also to other nationalities,” he emphasised.
Joan Vargas, another UFCA choreographer, said their members practice at least two hours on Fridays, when their members, who are mostly nannies, take their day off from work.
She added that they bring their own colourful costumes and everyone provides artistic input. “Every performance we stage and every costume we wear is a testament to our commitment to Philippine arts and we are looking forward to perform during Arté Pilipinas in February.”