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To capture the divergent layers of culture that lay in our country's 7,107 islands one needs to look towards different avenues of history, art, music, dance and even food if someone is to say that it is step towards understanding it.

However, anyone can capture the essence of our cultural distinctiveness through Kultura Filipino, a program launched by the Department of Tourism.

Kultura Filipino showcases performances that depict the life and ways of the Filipino through various exhibitions around Manila's history town, Intramuros.

One of its highlights includes several shows by Filipino artists, recognized here and abroad, that will be shown every Tuesday and Thursday at Barbara's Restaurant. The restaurant also served as the venue for it's launching last January 27.

"One of the main staples in a tourist's itinerary is cultural performance, and having one main venue to showcase our diverse artistic traditions to local and international audience helps to solidify our cultural identity," said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Barbara's was once again illuminated as performances from musical acts such as Sitti, the Mandaluyong Childrens's Choir and the Bayanihan Dance Company graced the stage of the famed restaurant.

Timeless tunes from yesteryears filled the walls as the Bossa Nova singer serenaded the guests with her own unique renditions of songs form the country's great composers.

The Mandaluyong Children's Choir also proved why they bagged top honors in the 2004 World choir Olympics as they put together an amazing performance.

A dance medley coming from the Bayanihan Dance troupe, demonstrating different folk and ethnic dances replicated a party which would commonly occur there a few hundred years ago.

Durano also added that Kultura Filipino should establish Manila; a city entrenched in history and culture, as a major destination in terms of cultural awareness as the project aims to be one of the highlights in their city tour packages. Interested groups are also urged to participate in the said campaign.

Kultura Filipino is planning to expand their repertoire to more than just music and dance. Other fields such as sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking, and cinema are also being considered to be added on.

Other traditional activities such as theater plays and poetry readings are also eyed to be included in their future campaign.

Mounting these exhibitions in Intramuros should also serve as an incentive as its walls capture the historic coupled with an old world charm. This should provide another perspective as it transcend towards a unique cultural presentation.

Director Elizabeth F. Nelle, DOT Office of Product Research and Development said, "With the country’s different regions tapped to participate in Kultura Filipino, the audience can expect a colorful presentation from a whole spectrum of different traditions and performing arts."

For the month of March, the different dance groups slated to perform in Barbara's include the Bayanihan Dance Company, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group Halili Cruz dDance Company,Lahing Bulakenyo,and Sining Kumintang Batangas,Philipiine National University – Kislap Sining, Technological university of the Philippines- Kalinangan Dance Troupe,Sinukuan Performing Arts, Centro Escolar University Dance Troupe are also set to perform.

Barbara's is located at Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna Street Intramuros Manila.

Labels: Department of Tourism, Kultura Filipino, philippine news online