Harmony of Cultures: Celebrating Philippine Festivals and Dances at 2023 World Beat Festival in Oregon
SALEM, OREGON 24 June 2023 – The 2023 World Beat Festival kicked off on 24 June in Salem, Oregon, with the Philippines as the featured country for this year’s celebrations. This marked the first time that the Philippines held the honor since the multicultural festival’s inception in 1998.
Consul General Neil R. Ferrer, Mrs. Miriam Ferrer, Honorary Consul for Oregon Eric Tadeo, Tourism Director Soleil Tropicales, Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug, and Filipino American community leaders in Oregon graced the opening ceremony of the World Beat Festival.
Consul General Ferrer welcomed participants to the festival and thanked the World Beat Festival organizers for featuring the Philippines for the first time. He highlighted the world-renowned Boracay Island, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, as fire dancing and performances capturing the Boracay vibe, among other Philippine dances, were featured in the festival.
Themed “Harmony of Cultures: Celebrating Philippine Festivals and Dances,” this year’s World Beat Festival served as a platform for participants to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of over 70 participating nations and cultures. Through captivating music, dance performances, and a delectable array of cuisines, the festival aimed to foster cultural understanding and appreciation among attendees.
Consul General Ferrer also emphasized the strong bond between the Philippines and Oregon, acknowledging the significant contributions of over 47,000 Oregon residents of Filipino descent to the state’s diverse communities. He further highlighted the recent visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to the United States in May, where efforts were made to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance the longstanding diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the U.S.
The Philippines’ participation in the event this year was organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT)-San Francisco office and the Philippine Trade and Investment in Silicon Valley. From 23 June to 25 June, the Philippines showcased its rich cultural heritage and diverse offerings to festival-goers.
Consul General Ferrer also promoted the Filipino Food Week, scheduled on 25 June to 1 July 2023, which aims to showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine. This culinary event paid homage to Filipino American chefs, who have played a pivotal role in popularizing Filipino cuisine across the state and beyond.
Esteemed chefs, including Carlo Lamagna of Magna Kusina, recognized as a 2022 James Beard Finalist for Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific, Melvin Trinidad of Barkada PDX, named Willamette Weekly’s Portland’s Best Chef 2020, and Christina McAlvey, a finalist of The Great American Recipe 2022, were featured in this gastronomic event. END
