Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Dec. 7, underscored the benefits of having more cultural exchanges between countries during the general rehearsal for an Italian opera in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Italy.
During the general rehearsal of the Italian Opera Giacomo Puccini’s "Turandot” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the official thanked Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente for bringing a “unique opportunity” for students and teachers “to personally experience watching a world-renowned Opera.”
“I likewise commend the Ambassador for his work and dedication in forging closer bilateral ties between our nations. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, I hope that this is just the start of more fruitful and substantive cultural exchanges between our peoples,” she said.
“The Philippines attaches foremost importance in further expanding intercultural relations with other countries,” Duterte added, sharing that bringing the Opera to Manila was mentioned by the ambassador only during his courtesy visit last August 2022.
Duterte was in attendance to give her message and watch the general rehearsal since the event was made possible in partnership between the CCP, the Office of the Vice President (OVP), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Embassy of the Republic of Italy in Manila.
Also in attendance were Maria Rosaria Brizi, CCP President Maria Margarita Moran-Floirendo, and actor and TV host Matteo Guidicelli. Joining them were 800 students, teachers, and guardians from 15 selected high schools.
“As the world continues to open up and international travel normalizes, I further hope that such exchanges will flourish and inspire the younger generation to build on the successes of their predecessors,” Duterte said.
“Through this performance, we are not only giving a nod to the legacy of Italian opera, but we are also introducing it to newer generations who, I pray, would continue this tradition, and further promote it for future audiences,” she furthered.
Addressing the students present there, Duterte expressed hope that the “unique experience” will ignite their creativity and passion to “inspire you to pursue careers in this industry and advance Philippine content, creativity, and talent for the benefit of our beloved country and countryfolk.”
“Turandot,” which will have its gala premiere on Friday, is the story of Princess Turandot who posed three riddles to any prince who wish to court her but also commanded death for those who fail.