Musical and culinary heritage at SM City

MANILA, Philippines - The recent Filipino Heritage Festival celebration at The Block at SM City North EDSA highlighted the richness of our musical and culinary tradition.

The event included a performance by Palawan’s Sinika Band and Pangkat Kalinganan, which has participated in most of the cultural festivals and celebrations in the country including the Department of Tourism’s WOW exhibit in Intramuros, the Southeast Asian Tourism Congress in Singapore and Brunei in 2002, and the 7th Drum Festival at the Trade Center in Melaka, Malaysia. 

The group, which got their break when Mayor Edgar S. Hagedorn named Sinika Founder Nonoy Lanzanas as director for the culture and arts program of Puerto Princesa in 2002, wowed the audience with their rendition of songs like Awit ng Basurero, Pista ng Kagubatan, Bagong Araw, Banwa Ko, Awit ng Pagkakaisa, Lala e Lala, and Amos Tara.

A food festival celebrating authentic Filipino dishes by some of the mall tenants was also featured during the event. Participating tenants included Gerry’s Grill, Marina, Aristocrat, C2 Classic Cuisine, Recipes, and Kultura.

The Filipino Heritage Festival comes to Manila every May during the country’s National Heritage Month. It brings with it a plethora of artistic, theatrical, and other activities at cultural sites around the country. Sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Tourism, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, local city governments, and other business establishments, the festival offers something for everyone.

This year’s theme, “Preserving the Gift of Faith,” is a celebration of the Filipino’s unwavering faith, rich culture and heritage, and deeply rooted traditions through dance, song, visual and culinary arts.

The Filipino Heritage Festival is one of the many exciting events at SM City North EDSA.