Belmonte to keynote FEALAC Fiesta

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. will deliver today the keynote address during the opening ceremony of the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) Fiesta and Parade of Nations at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

The FEALAC Fiesta, the first major international gathering in Quezon City this year, will showcase trade and cultural exhibits from the 32 member-countries of FEALAC as well as a parade of nations to be led by the Quezon City government.

Tagged as "East Asia Meets Latin America at the Araneta," the FEALAC Fiesta aims to foster awareness about FEALAC and its member-countries among Filipinos. The Fiesta’s main event is an exhibition by the FEALAC member-countries at the Ali Mall ground level atrium, which will be a combination of cultural and trade exhibits.

Foreign ministers from 32 FEALAC member-countries are already in the city to attend a conference hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Jan. 29 to 31.

Belmonte said a grand parade will show off the colors of the FEALAC member-countries and will come complete with a marching symphonic and indigenous Filipino street dancing. It will also provide the city the opportunity to showcase its unique and distinct culture.

The parade will be participated by the Quezon City band, MMDA band, drum and bugle corps from various public schools in the city. Spicing up the festivities will be a regional dance festival.

Philippine Ambassador to Chile Maria Consuela Puyat-Reyes has been credited for bringing in the FEALAC foreign ministers to the country. FEALAC includes Latin American countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador.