The essence of Filipino culture came alive during Sulyap: A Celebration of Filipino Language, an event that mesmerized audiences through a blend of poetry, dance, music, and visual art. Organized by TRIBE, a collective under the Philippine Business Council Dubai & Northern Emirates, in partnership with the Emirates Literature Foundation and Theatre of Digital Art (TODA), the event offered an immersive experience that highlighted the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the Philippines.
Sulyap was a testament to Filipino creativity, featuring performances that ranged from spoken word to folk dances and contemporary music, all of which celebrated the depth and beauty of the Filipino language. The event served as a journey through the vibrant past, present, and future of the Philippines, brought to life by the incredible talents that graced the stage.
Trixie Balangao, the storyteller for the event, led the audience through an immersive exploration of Filipino culture. Dressed in bespoke traditional attire by EL ÀNGE Haute Couture for her role as Hiraya, a diwata narrating the show, Trixie captivated the audience with her narration. The segments of the show depicting colonial and post-colonial Philippines featured costumes and accessories by Terno by TCG and CAMI.
The visual artistry was elevated by Gino Banola’s baybayin digital art backdrops and Mej Valencia’s scenic designs, which seamlessly blended tradition with contemporary artistry to enrich the performances.
Live performances by The Dubai Vocal Ensemble captivated the audience with their powerful harmonies, showcasing the richness of Filipino choral music. The United Filipino Culture and Arts group added a dynamic layer to the celebration by bringing traditional Filipino folk dance to life on stage.
Spoken word poetry and rap performances by Phat G, Pam Andrea, and Angelo Aguilor were highlights of the event, with their verses exploring themes of identity, heritage, and belonging. The poets donned attires by UAE-based fashion brands Calivo Couture and Terno by TCG, further enhancing the cultural experience.
Gino Banola and Louie Rempillo paid homage to the Filipino mandirigma spirit through a powerful performance that fused traditional arnis martial arts with stunning baybayin art, with both performers dressed in kimonos by Kihon UAE.
The success of the event was made possible by the collaboration between TRIBE’s core team—led by Bethoven Filomeno, Krishna Dela Paz, Allan Bautista, and Bobbie Carella—and partners Teogenes Alexius from TODA and Namal Siddiqui from the Emirates Literature Foundation. The seamless execution was ensured by stage manager Briliant Juan and his dedicated team.
The evening concluded with heartfelt words of gratitude from Teogenes Alexius of TODA, Dania Droubi, Chief Operating Officer of the Emirates Literature Foundation, and Bobbie Carella, TRIBE Adviser and Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine Business Council. Their remarks reinforced the event’s success and the powerful collaboration that brought it to life.
Sulyap stands as a cultural milestone, highlighting TRIBE’s ongoing efforts to bring Filipino creativity to the forefront. With the event’s success, TRIBE is poised to create more opportunities for the global community in the UAE to engage with the vibrant world of Filipino art and heritage.