EMBASSY WRAPS UP NATIONAL ARTS MONTH WITH SUPPORT FOR SININGSKWELA 2025 IN PUTRAJAYA AND NEGERI SEMBILAN

Kuala Lumpur, 28 February 2025 – The Philippine Embassy successfully wrapped up National Arts Month with its support for Siningskwela 2025, an “art-reach” program of Artdialogo Founder Anna Karina Jardin, IDEAS (Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs) Founding President YAM Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, and the International Youth Center.

Siningskwela, derived from the Filipino words “Sining” (art) and “Skwela” (school), seeks to cultivate creativity, skills, and cultural appreciation among students. Siningskwela 2025, consisting of interactive workshops, integrates this year’s National Arts Month theme, “Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin” (Harvest of Art: Spirit & Emotion). It emphasizes the role of Philippine art in shaping national and global identity. With members of the Filipino community as mentors working with Malaysian youth, the program encouraged participants to explore self-expression and reflect on their perceptions of the Filipino diaspora and culture in Malaysia.

The workshop was held on 25 February 2025 at Sekolah Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 17 and on 27 February 2025 at Nogori Arts School @ SMK Tunku Ampuan Najihah in Negeri Sembilan.

In her message, Ambassador Maria Angela Ponce highlighted the importance of mentorship in artistic and cultural development. “I especially take great pride in seeing the active participation of our fellow Filipinos who will serve as mentors for this event. Taking on the critical role of mentors is a testament to their growth and development in the arts as they apply what they have learned from previous workshops to guide and inspire Malaysian students. This act of mentorship embodies the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, where we uplift one another and contribute to the creative and cultural enrichment of the community,” she said.

Students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 17 showcased their talents by singing the beloved Filipino folk song “Bahay Kubo,” while students from Nogori Arts School @ SMK Tunku Ampuan Najihah in Negeri Sembilan delivered a moving rendition of “Anak” by Freddie Aguilar through acting. These performances symbolized the shared cultural narratives between the Philippines and Malaysia, highlighting the unifying power of music and the arts.

Ambassador Ponce encouraged all participants to embrace the experience, stating, “Art has the power to break barriers, tell stories, and make a lasting impact. May this experience ignite your passion for artistic expression and cultural appreciation.”

Cultural Attaché Jesher Micha Carolino, Welfare Officer Rosanna Siray and MWO Officer in Charge Ethel Magtibay were at the events.

The Philippines annually celebrates February as National Arts Month as declared under Presidential Proclamation 683 (1991) by President Corazon C. Aquino.

Siningskwela 2025 reaffirmed the importance of arts education in strengthening cultural ties and promoting inclusivity, with the Filipino community’s active involvement serving as a beacon of mentorship, unity, and artistic inspiration. END

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