Jordanians Experience Filipino Culture at the First-ever Pasinaya in Jordan
Top left photo: Philippine Ambassador to Jordan H.E. Wilfredo C. Santos with Mr. Assim Ahmad Alkhatib, General Manager of Language City Cafe and owner of Zghairon Cafe, who generously provided the space for Pasinaya. Top right photo: The Bayanihan mural titled “Paint the Wall by Numbers,” designed by Ms. Daphne S. Sarion, was opened by Ambassador Santos and Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo. Bottom left photo: Dance featuring Madal Siwol with Filipino-Jordanian volunteer Ms. Khawla Aladham and Mr. Nilo Dacuwarat from the Filipino community with Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie G. Andales, and Cultural Officer Rachel Joy A. Pamorada, who are the hosts for the Pasinaya. Bottom right photo: Pasinaya during the Palabas or Live performances. (photos by Mariella S. Masiglat-Balla)
AMMAN, 14 February 2025 – Over 100 attendees gathered for a cultural celebration like no other at the first-ever Pasinaya in Jordan, a National Arts Month activity coinciding on Valentine's Day.
"Pasinaya" which means "inauguration" is a flagship program of the Philippine Embassy in Jordan in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Language City Cafe. It brought the 19th edition of Pasinaya—the largest arts festival in the Philippines—right to the heart of Jordan.
This year’s theme Pasinaya 2025: "Para Sa Lahat", which means "sharing" or "offering" in Filipino, reflects Filipino values of inclusivity, community and the celebration of the rich diversity of Filipino art.
Philippine Ambassador to Jordan H.E. Wilfredo C. Santos in his opening remarks said, "Through this event, we highlight the beauty and diversity of Filipino art, music, dance, and traditions. Let us wholeheartedly embrace the values of inclusivity, creativity, and the shared experiences that weave our diverse cultures into a vibrant and meaningful narrative."
The festivities were held at the Zghairon Cafe in Amman, a historic location in Amman where the Kalha Stairs (one of the oldest stairways in the city) is located. Mr. Assim Ahmad Alkhatib, General Manager of Language City Cafe and owner of Zghairon Cafe, who generously provided the space for Pasinaya, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We are delighted to partner with the Philippine Embassy in Amman for this celebration."
This year’s festivities featured several exciting components such as Pamilihan (Bazaar), Palihan (Workshop), Palaro (Games), and Palabas (Performances), and was introduced to the local audience at Zghairon Cafe in Amman.
At the Pamilihan, Filipino entrepreneurs from all over Jordan had the opportunity to display a wide array of Filipino food and pastries, ranging from savory dishes like pancit to sweet treats such as leche flan, ube pandesal, ensaymada, and bibingka. A variety of proudly Filipino handicrafts were also showcased, highlighting the diverse talents of Filipino artisans.
The first activity of Pasinaya in Jordan was the Palihan, a Dance Lecture-Demo Workshop that featured the Madal Siwol, a traditional courtship dance from the T'boli people of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines. The session was streamed live, allowing online participants to join in real time. The first resource person, Mr. Benhur Zerrudo Abulencia began with an introduction and provided a brief history of the Madal Siwol dance, while Mr. Michael Angelo L. Yambok, the second resource person, taught the dance live from Lake Sebu. The audience was captivated by the vibrant traditional attire of the T'boli people and thoroughly enjoyed the graceful movements of the Madal Siwol dance.
Another Palihan-art workshop took place to launch the Department of Tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign. The attendees were invited to contribute to a mural titled “Paint the Wall by Numbers.” Designed by Ms. Daphne S. Sarion, Embassy’s Consular Assistant and Attaché, the mural depicted "Bayanihan," the Filipino value of communal unity and togetherness. The mural symbolizes inclusivity, a reminder of the Filipino spirit that encourages collaboration and togetherness. Participants had the opportunity to fill in the final sections of the mural, making it a truly community-driven effort. This collaborative mural became the centerpiece of the newly established Philippine Embassy corner at Zghairon Cafe.
Palaro, or Valentine's themed parlor games, were also a major highlight of the event. Attendees, mostly Jordanian youth, participated in fun and interactive games, including Speed Friendling (where participants connected by finding people with matching traits), Tumpakners (a couple's game requiring partners to provide identical answers), and a scavenger hunt that led participants on a mission to collect heart-shaped puzzle pieces scattered across the second floor of the café.
The most anticipated part of the event was the Palabas—a series of live performances that showcased Filipino musical and dance talent. More than 15 performances took the stage to entertain the crowd, including performances by acoustic group, "Bliss" from the Philippine Chaplaincy Choir; a 16-year-old solo artist, Christian Lopez Dacanay, from the Friends of Poveda; solo artist, Shereen Musabeh who is an Arab who sang "Lason Mong Halik"; and Elma Bigayen, a winner of a local singing contest; followed by dance performances from various Filipino Organizations in Jordan namely, Filipino Organization, Pinoy Adventurers Family (PAF), United Filipino Organization (UFO), Federation of Filipino Association in Amman (FeFAA) with the JCO dancers, and the Pinoy Bikers and Runners in Amman, Jordan.
In a vibrant display of cultural exchange, Mr. Johar Ahmad and his team delivered a special performance featuring a traditional Jordanian and Palestinian dance known as “Dabke”. The performance added a unique fusion to the Filipino-centered celebration, blending the rich heritage of Jordan with Filipino festivities. The lively dance captivated the audience with its dynamic movements and rhythmic beats, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Both Jordanians and Filipinos in the crowd were mesmerized by the fusion of cultures, celebrating unity and diversity through the power of dance.
Conceptualized and organized by the Philippine Embassy’s Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie G. Andales, and Cultural Officer Rachel Joy A. Pamorada, Pasinaya in Jordan provided a platform for the Filipino community in Jordan to showcase the remarkable talents and a place for Filipino-Jordanians to reconnect with their roots. It was a day that not only celebrated Filipino artistry but also fostered stronger bonds between the Filipino and Jordanian communities.
Through this first-ever event, the Philippines once again proved its ability to connect with people from all walks of life, showcasing the warmth, artistry, and resilience of the Filipino spirit in the heart of Jordan. END
Left photo: Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos inaugurates the “Bayanihan” mural titled “Paint the Wall by Numbers,” designed by Ms. Daphne S. Sarion. Right photo: Personnel from the Philippine Embassy in Jordan who volunteered, outlined, and painted the mural namely: Mr. Gerian Q. Abrillo, Mr. Allan G. Oseo, Jr., Ms. Daphne S. Sarion, Ms. Mariella S. Masiglat-Balla, and her spouse Mr. Bien Dominic Enteria Balla, Mr. Angelito F. Gemal, Mr. Rogelio A. Condino, Jr., and Mr. Casimra K. Rasid (not in the photo). (photos by Mariella S. Masiglat-Balla)
Participants at the Pamilihan- Food and Art Bazaars, clockwise, Ms. Jocelyn B. Naputo from the Philippine Embassy showcasing T’Boli products, Handmade Creations by RNZ by Ms. Rhina Al Zughali, Glea perfumes by Ms. Lea Morante, Afani Restaurant by Mr. Ali Afani, DC Sweets by Ms. Diana Lagoy, and Yasmin Art Craft by Ms. Hiyasmin Sumandal Zatarieh. (photos by Mariella S. Masiglat-Balla)
Top photos: Jordanians enjoyed the three Palaro-Valentine’s themed parlor games facilitated by Cultural Officer Rachel Joy A. Pamorada. Bottom photo: Dabke, a Palestinian and Jordan Dance. (photos by Mariella S. Masiglat-Balla)
Some of the live performances during the first-ever Pasinaya in Jordan, by various Filipino organizations in Jordan. (photos by Mariella S. Masiglat-Balla)