By Formosa News Group (Originally in English)

Ribbon cutting ceremony by the Secretary of the Foreign Affair of the Philippines, Mr. Alberto G. Romulo(left), and Director General ASEAN-Philippines, Mr. Luis Cruz(right)	HSH Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol of Thailand was given the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the Film Festival. First left is Mrs. Cecile Alvarez.

The ASEAN Performance and Media Arts Workshop on Cultural Diversity was recently held in Manila, Philippines from July 26 to August 8, Golden Year 4 (2007). This workshop was part of the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations). Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to the event, but due to a previous engagement, She humbly sent a representative on Her behalf.

On the morning of August 8, the opening ceremony was held at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and was attended by delegates from around the world. Magnificent programs by representatives of different ethnic groups and cultures thrilled the audience and demonstrated the beauty of diversity. After the program, there was a joyous ceremony for the opening of two exhibits, the Southeast Asian Art and Culture: Ideas, Forms, and Societies and the ASEAN 40th Anniversary Stamp Exhibition.

Signatures and logos from representatives of all the organizers and sponsors (including Supreme Master Ching Hai) are shown on the certificate of appreciation for the completion of the workshop.	Harmony performance by artists from 10 ASEAN countries.

 

Many guests, who were interviewed by Supreme Master Television, shared their views of the art performance. Mr. Romulo, the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, said that he was glad that the multi-cultural activity of ASEAN was successful in uniting different countries into one community. Mrs. Cecile Alvarez, Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) stated, “This is a primary example of applying culture as an essential ingredient to promote peace.”

The ASEAN Mini Arts Fest, a showcase of the ASEAN Performance and Media Arts Workshop, was held at St. Paul’s University on the afternoon of August 8. Invitations to this event stated that the performances were made possible by the ASEAN Secretary General Mr. Ong Keng Yong and The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, with the cooperation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Department of Education. Mrs. Alvarez shared the noble thought that “... the goal is to fight poverty, to fight pollution, to advance the welfare of women, of children, of indigenous people, to promote education and health for all but most of all to show that development can only be achieved effectively if there are partnerships.”

Maestro Benny M. Tanto from Indonesia happily receiving the gift from Supreme Master Ching Hai’s representative.	Presenting gifts to the workshop participants from Master.

 

Performances were contributed by artists from 10 ASEAN countries: Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore. Guitar Maestro Benny M. Tanto from Indonesia was interviewed by Supreme Master Television. He gave a copy of his album “Silver Guitar Concert” to Supreme Master Television to show his gratitude. One of the artists from Thailand said that all of the performers spoke the same language – the language of art – so they could understand each other easily. Supreme Master Ching Hai had specially prepared the exquisite gift of Her poetry DVD and several books of Her artwork for the participants. All the delegates were happily surprised to receive this gracious gift.

HSH Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol of Thailand happily showed the audience the “One World of Peace through Music”, and “The Jeweled Verses” recital performed by Supreme Master Ching Hai that he received.

Later, the 9th Annual CineManila International Film Festival was held in Quezon City, Philippines, which coincided with the ASEAN 40th Anniversary celebration. Film director and Prince of the Thai Royal Family, His Serene Highness Chatrichalerm Yukol, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for the promotion of Asian cinema. He was happy to receive two DVDs as gifts from Master: “One World of Peace through Music” and “The Jeweled Verses.”

The overwhelming response from the participants, audience, working staff, and guests was a heartwarming confirmation that the ASEAN Artist Workshop and Showcase on Cultural Diversity achieved its goal. We believe the artists from each ASEAN country will continue to spread the idea of sharing, love, and unity with their countrypersons.

To view Supreme Master TV news coverage of ASEAN’s 40th Anniversary: Go!! 

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