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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Malaysia-PH art festival opens at Intramuros, celebrating cross-cultural exchange

Malaysia-PH art festival opens at Intramuros, celebrating cross-cultural exchange

Published Nov 30, 2025 08:39 pm
Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino
Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino
The Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, in collaboration with Artdialogo Asia, Tourism Malaysia, and the Department of Education (DepEd) Manila, formally launched the SENI SIKAT: Malaysia-Philippines Art Festival at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros on November 26, 2025.
The festival’s name, SENI SIKAT, a fusion of Seni (Malay for “art”) and Sikat (Filipino for “brilliance” or “recognition”), captures the spirit of cultural cooperation and creativity between the two nations. Designed to promote mutual understanding and collaboration through the arts, the initiative underscores the importance of inclusive cultural diplomacy and community participation in strengthening bilateral ties.
Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shares her message of support
Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shares her message of support
The festival comes at a significant moment in regional diplomacy. Malaysia recently concluded its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship, a term focused on inclusion, sustainability and community-building across Southeast Asia. In October, Malaysia formally handed over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines, marking a milestone for both nations.
Despite the transition, Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN and its partnership with the Philippines. The SENI SIKAT program reflects this spirit of cooperation, deepening people-to-people connections through artistic exchange.
Manila City Administrator Atty. Eduardo
Manila City Administrator Atty. Eduardo "Wardee" Quintos, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco,, Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, ArtDialogo CEO Anna Karina Jardin, and DepEd Manila Director Atty. Amorsolo Camara, Jr.
The opening ceremony was graced by key figures including Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, who was represented by Manila City Administrator Atty. Eduardo "Wardee" Quintos, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, and DepEd Manila Director Atty. Amorsolo Camara Jr. Their presence, alongside other government officials and members of the diplomatic community, signified strong support for the festival’s mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable relations through the arts.
A highlight of the evening was a fashion show featuring the works of Malaysian designers Anuar Faizal and Dr. Kenny Loh, alongside Filipino creatives Jean Yu Aves and Roald Sena. Their collections showcased the rich artistic talent and cultural diversity of both countries.
Ceremonial launching of SENISIKAT - Malaysia-Philippines Art Festival
Ceremonial launching of SENISIKAT - Malaysia-Philippines Art Festival
SENI SIKAT 2025 is structured around three major components, each reflecting the themes of inclusivity and sustainability: SENISKWELA 2025 Manila (November 25, Lakan Dula High School, Tondo), a youth-focused program featuring workshops, mural installations, lectures and teacher training, which empowered students and educators to become ambassadors of Malaysia-Philippines relations through art. This marks the fourth iteration of SENISKWELA since its inception in 2024.
Dir. Amorsolo T. Camara, Jr. conveys the message of support on behalf of the Department of Education
Dir. Amorsolo T. Camara, Jr. conveys the message of support on behalf of the Department of Education
The Creative Forum was held on November 27 at Centro de Turismo in Intramuros, Manila. Highlights of the forum were panel discussions on Malaysian and Philippine art and culture, the creative industry’s role in diplomacy, and tourism promotion. Featured speakers included HRH Tunku Zain Al Abidin, founding president of IDEAS International; the ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines; and Gina Nebrida-Ty, president of Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines.
The Creative Exhibitions on November 27 to 28 were held at Centro de Turismo in Intramuros as well.
Manila City Administrator Eduardo Quintos delivering the message of support of Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso
Manila City Administrator Eduardo Quintos delivering the message of support of Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso
There were also public displays of artworks and fashion ensembles by Malaysian and Filipino artists. This was free and open to the public, offering a platform for cultural appreciation and exchange.
Through SENI SIKAT, the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila hopes to highlight not only the creative brilliance of Malaysian and Filipino artists, but also the vital role of arts and culture in fostering stronger relations between nations.
The festival stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between Malaysia and the Philippines and to the power of creativity in building bridges across borders.
Creations of Malaysian and Filipino fashion designers
Creations of Malaysian and Filipino fashion designers
Anna Karina Jardin, founder and CEO of ArtDialogo Asia, warmly welcomes distinguished guests to the opening ceremony of SENISIKAT
Anna Karina Jardin, founder and CEO of ArtDialogo Asia, warmly welcomes distinguished guests to the opening ceremony of SENISIKAT
Guest were treated through a cultural performance by Touche Production
Guest were treated through a cultural performance by Touche Production
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan T. Olaso addressing the audience with his message of support
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan T. Olaso addressing the audience with his message of support
National anthems of the Philippines and Malaysia performed by Makati Chorale
National anthems of the Philippines and Malaysia performed by Makati Chorale
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