The Philippine Embassy in the UAE and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts recently inaugurated ‘Sentro Rizal’ last June 19. This is the 36th Sentro Rizal branch that was launched across the entire world.
The inauguration was done in coordination and cooperation with the Knights of Rizal – Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter to commemorate the 158th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
As mandated by Republic Act 10066 or the National Culture Heritage Act of 2009, ‘Sentro Rizal’ is an official establishment and a venue that will be used to promote Philippine arts, culture, and language here in the UAE and will soon house collections of Filipiniana materials including books, artworks and other multimedia that will be available for public use.
Renowned Filipino artist Maestro Manuel Baldemor donated a masterpiece of the Philippines iconic ‘Pahiyas’ as one of the first artworks to be displayed at ‘Sentro Rizal’ in the Philippine Embassy.
Acknowledging instrumental, global Filipinos
The Philippine Embassy also took the opportunity to honor several Filipinos who have been supportive of their initiatives and programs through distinctive certificates and tokens of appreciation.
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Architect Kirby Zalameda and the Disenyo Global Pinoy team comprised of Marlene Conde Murphy, Marlo Benedict Guzman, Honey Pearl Pelaez. Diane Cara Fernando, Christopher John Dingal, Generoso Valdepeña Jr., Mario Cardenas, and Arman Salcedo were all recognized for their collaborative contributions for the participation of the Philippines for the upcoming World Expo 2020 Dubai.
The Embassy also awarded Nedie Toralba who has been instrumental in acting as the bridge between the community and the embassy for cases concerning distressed Filipinos, as well as Irene Corpuz for lending her support in establishing better technological security and innovative solutions for the embassy’s online systems.
Special Year of Tolerance awards were also given to Jovy Tuaño and Marlene Conde Murphy. Tuaño was recognized for spearheading the ongoing FilFood Fest that promotes traditional Filipino cuisine in innovative, culinary trip themes for the international market. Murphy was hailed for her commendable support for the Embassy’s programs and activities and for promoting the Filipino values of multi-culturalism and innovation.
