ABU DHABI, UAE – The Filipino community dazzled the world at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi, bringing colorful costumes, vibrant dances, and rich traditions to the global stage! 💃🎭
For the first time, the Philippines took part in the Asian Festival, showcasing its diverse heritage through performances like Sinulog, Subli, and Bulaklakan—all capturing the spirit of Filipino resilience and artistry.
A Grand Celebration of Filipino Culture 🇵🇭🎶
Leading the Filipino delegation was Philippine Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, alongside the Bayanihan Council, an umbrella group of 60 Filipino organizations in Abu Dhabi.
During the Grand Parade on February 1, 2025, Ambassador Ver praised the community’s passion and strong presence, calling the event a chance to share the beauty of Filipino culture with the world.
“They showed that Filipinos are alive and thriving, contributing to the progress of this great nation,” he said.
The festival, named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE’s founding father, is a major cultural event that draws thousands of visitors each year. In 2025, it even set a Guinness World Record for the longest fireworks display—lasting 46 minutes! 🎆🔥
Bringing Filipino Traditions to the Global Stage 🌏
The Bayanihan Council was officially invited in November 2024, and by January 20, 2025, the Filipino performances began under the theme:
🎭 “Fiesta Filipinas: Celebrating Culture, Tradition, and Art”
Over 2,000 Filipinos have already participated, showcasing traditional dances that reflect the country’s deep cultural roots.
💠 Bulaklakan Dance – Performed by Global Filipino Community & Associates, an all-female group celebrating the elegance and grace of the Dalagang Filipina with floral garlands.
💠 Sinulog & Subli – Fan favorites that celebrate devotion, history, and Filipino resilience.
💠 Tribal Fusion Dance – A modern twist on traditional Filipino movements, performed by teachers from SRK Education Group International, a Filipino school in Abu Dhabi.
Maybelyn Vinoya, one of the performers, shared her excitement:
“I was nervous, but performing for the Philippines was an honor. It was a proud moment to showcase our culture!”
Filipinos in the UAE Take Pride in Their Heritage 🌟
Filipinos living in Abu Dhabi were thrilled to see their culture on a global stage. Civil engineer Mary Rose Javier described the performances as a visual journey through Philippine history:
“It reminded me of our vibrant culture and resilience despite all odds. Seeing our heritage celebrated makes me so proud!”
Another Filipino, Irish Mejos, enjoyed the performances with her husband and praised the dancers’ artistry and craftsmanship:
“Their costumes, props, and overall execution were superb. It was a spectacular show!”
A Stronger Filipino-UAE Connection 🤝
The Philippines’ participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival highlights the deep connection between Filipinos and the UAE, showing that the Filipino community plays a key role in Abu Dhabi’s multicultural landscape.
As the festival continues until February 6, 2025, more performances are set to captivate audiences, proving once again that Filipino culture is truly world-class! 🌍✨
