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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Shared Stories of Hungary and the Philippines': Cultural performances take centerstage

'Shared Stories of Hungary and the Philippines': Cultural performances take centerstage

Published Oct 15, 2025 08:08 pm
Arkadiusz Jan Tracz, spouse of the Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines, delivers his speech during a cultural event organized by the Hungarian Embassy in Manila in collaboration with the Intramuros Administration. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)
Arkadiusz Jan Tracz, spouse of the Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines, delivers his speech during a cultural event organized by the Hungarian Embassy in Manila in collaboration with the Intramuros Administration. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)
Despite the distance between the Philippines and Hungary, Mr. Arkadiusz Jan Tracz—the spouse of the Hungarian ambassador to the Philippines—underscored the deep cultural and traditional ties that the two countries share.
Speaking during the “Shared Stories of Hungary and the Philippines: Cultural Heritage” at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros on Wednesday, Oct. 15, Tracz noted how both countries show their “love of cultural freedom and at the same time respect for tradition.”
“In today's shared story, we would like to show you that despite 10,000 kilometers distance, true enthusiasm exists in our nation's heritage,” he said.
The cultural event showcased the special first edition of bringing together Hungary’s Flaska Band and the Philippines’ La Manila Dance Ambassadors and Rondalla.
Featuring two violinists, a violist, and a flutist, the band was joined by two couples of Hungary's finest folk dancers, who performed in traditional costumes, presenting the varied regional expressions of the dance.
The Hungarian Embassy in Manila said while “weaving together melodies and movement into a celebration of harmony between two cultures,” this special showcase highlighted “the beauty of the universal language of music and dance” and "further strengthening the ties of friendship and mutual understanding" between the two countries.
Hungary's Flaska Band and folk dancers (Raymund Antonio/MB)
Hungary's Flaska Band and folk dancers (Raymund Antonio/MB)
According to the embassy, the award-winning Flaska Band was founded in 2013, and has since performed in Hungary and 30 other countries. Through these performances, they earned “global recognition for their dedication to immersing audiences in authentic Hungarian folk culture.”
In his speech, Tracz also shared about how some 35 Filipino students each year have been taking up masteral and doctorate degree courses in Hungary about cultural heritage studies, and his hopes that they can bring their knowledge back to the country.
“As the application process starts in November, we hope to see many more young, talented Filipino students bringing back the knowledge they've learned in Hungary to the Philippines to help preserving their rich heritage and culture,” he added.
On Tuesday night, Oct. 14, the Hungarian Embassy in Manila held its National Day celebration to mark the first-ever visit of László Kövér, Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, to the Philippines.
Kövér was welcomed by President Marcos in a courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.
He also met with Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and members of the Senate's Philippines-Hungary Friendship Group on the same day.
Speaker Kövér is in the Philippines from Oct. 14 to 17.

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Hungary Arkadiusz Jan Tracz Embassy of Hungary Flaska Band
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