Milan – The Bayanihan Dance Company gave two performances in Milan on Sunday, 9th of June, at the prestigious Teatro dal Verme in commemoration of the 115th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, 66th year of Philippines Italy diplomatic relations and Migrant Workers Day. The first performance was at 3pm and the other at 8pm, with over eight hundred people in attendance at each show.
Organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Milan with the assistance of the National Commission on Culture and Arts, the Overseas Workers Welfare Association, the PagIbig Fund, the Social Security System, Philippine companies operating in Italy and many others, the shows were enthusiastically received and thoroughly enjoyed by the Filipino, Italian and foreign guests. The Philippine native dances were gracefully executed by the Bayanihan and the music and instruments greatly admired by the audience.
The Mayor of Milan sent two ranking representatives who were often shouting “Bravo, Bravo” while watching. Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio Reyes, several members of the Consular Corps, the religious communities and Milan’s foremost expatriate organization, the Benvenuto Club, were also in attendance. The night was a friendly mixture of Filipinos, Italians and foreigners who didn’t know what to expect from the Bayanihan but came out thrilled and happy at the spectacle they witnessed. Undoubtedly, the primary objective to promote Philippine art and culture in Milan was achieved through the Bayanihan presentations.
A mini exhibit of Philippine products and works by Milan-based Filipino artist, Richard Gabriel was also displayed at the lobby.
