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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies & Foreign Affairs devider Palestine turns to music as bridge for dialogue and cultural diplomacy

Palestine turns to music as bridge for dialogue and cultural diplomacy

Published Aug 3, 2026 11:42 am
His Excellency Mounir Anastas, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of the Philippines, shares his welcome message. (Photos: Embassy of Palestine)
His Excellency Mounir Anastas, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of the Philippines, shares his welcome message. (Photos: Embassy of Palestine)
The Embassy of the State of Palestine transformed Manila’s Metropolitan Theater into a venue for cultural diplomacy as it hosted the Palestine–Philippines Music Concert on June 29, bringing together diplomats, government officials, artists, academics, and members of the public for an evening that explored themes of peace, justice, and human dignity through music.
More than 450 guests attended the concert, including Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, representatives of international organizations, academics, students, and supporters of the Palestinian people.
Rather than focusing on political discourse, the evening highlighted culture as a means of fostering dialogue and understanding between nations.
The program opened with the national anthems of the Philippines and the State of Palestine before presenting five original compositions by Palestinian Ambassador Mounir Anastas, whose works explored universal themes of justice, memory, peace, and the dignity of human life.
Among the featured pieces was “Requiem for Gaza”, an acousmatic composition that incorporates authentic sound recordings from Gaza as a tribute to innocent civilian victims of war. Other works included “Funeral Sentence”, a reflection on the death penalty; Reflection, written for two percussionists; “Small Étude for Peace”, expressing hope for a just and lasting peace; and “Motion of Confidence”, dedicated to the Filipino people in recognition of what Ambassador Anastas described as the Philippines’ commitment to international law, the protection of human rights, and its longstanding support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Piano virtuoso Dr. Raul Sunico
Piano virtuoso Dr. Raul Sunico
All five compositions were performed by leading Filipino musicians, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the concert.
The second half of the program shifted the spotlight to Philippine musical heritage, with performances by acclaimed pianist Dr. Raul Sunico, percussionists Elizalde Tolentino and Aimee Dela Cruz, sopranos Elisanta Cortes and Thea Perez, and tenors Ronan Ferrer and Eugene De Los Santos. Their repertoire showcased Filipino classical and traditional compositions, reflecting the evening’s theme of cultural exchange.
Welcoming guests, Ambassador Anastas thanked Secretary Lazaro for attending and formally dedicated “Motion of Confidence” to her and, through her, to the Filipino people. He also expressed his appreciation to the Filipino artists who brought his compositions to life.
Speaking about “Requiem for Gaza”, the ambassador explained that the work transforms authentic recordings from Gaza into “a musical expression of remembrance, mourning, and hope.” He described music as a universal language capable of preserving memory, transcending borders, encouraging dialogue, and affirming shared values of justice, peace, freedom, and human dignity.
The embassy said the concert forms part of its broader efforts to deepen cultural cooperation and strengthen people-to-people ties between Palestine and the Philippines, underscoring the role of the arts in fostering mutual understanding beyond traditional diplomacy.

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