Filipinos in Saudi Arabia made another milestone following the successful staging of the first purely Filipino entertainment gathering in the Kingdom under the auspices of the Saudi National Events Center (NEC) headed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
Dubbed as the “Philippine Night”, the festivity was a product of collaboration among the NEC, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), General Entertainment Authority (GEA) together with the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah and the various Filipino organizations in the business and entertainment industry.
Hundreds of Filipinos and local residents flocked to the Equestrian Park in Jeddah on Aug. 20, 2021 to watch Philippine cultural presentations and listen to original Pilipino music (OPM) performed by Saudi-based Filipino artists and musicians. The entire program lasted from 6 pm to 12 midnight.
Officials from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh led by Ambassador Adnan Alonto and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah also graced the event.
In his message, Ambassador Alonto expressed gratitude to the organizers for holding the historical occasion and invited the Saudi nationals to enjoy Filipino talent and creativity for a better appreciation of the Filipino culture and heritage.
Aside from musical performances, there were also booths featuring mini-games, face painting, and Filipino food, similar to what one would find in a traditional Filipino peryahan (carnival).
The first-ever Philippine Night is part of the Saudi Tourism Summer Program that aims to strengthen the socio-cultural relations between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.