Events

Saturday, October 2, 2010

CHANGES IN SCHEDULE-- THE GALLEON WILL ARRIVE on OCTOBER 6


THE GALEON ANDALUCIA (OCTOBER 6-9)

THE GALEON ANDALUCIA (OCTOBER 6-9) 
The Galeon Andalucia is a replica of the 17th century Galleon. Guest can hop on-board and jump into history!

WHERE:   PIER 13, SOUTH HARBOR, MANILA (Next to Manila Hotel)
ADMISSION:  FREE
DATES
October 6  1:00 pm - 4:00pm
October 7 9:00am – 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm - 4:00pm
October 8 8:00am – 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm - 4:00pm
October 9 8:00am-12:00pm
 
DAILY SCHEDULE (except october 6,9)
9:00am-12:00pm – LARGE GROUPS
9:00am-4:00pm PUBLIC
 
For Groups of 30 or more, email us your information and desired time between 9:00am-12:00pm. If there are no slots available, we will give you an afternoon schedule.

INDIVIDUAL GUESTS
There is no need for reservation for individuals and groups with less than 30 people
 
AGE LIMIT
Children under eight years old are not allowed due to safety reasons. Children under twelve need to be chaperoned
 
LOGISTICS
The Capacity of the Boat is 100 at a time, and guests will be asked to queue in line. Please expect some waiting.
For large groups and walk ins, it is suggested that you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time slot. Late comers will be bumped off their slot
Some walking will be required from the registration to the boat, we advise that you are as comfortable as possible. 
 ACTIVITIES
There will be waiting area where guests can view an exhibit, mural paintings and information on the Galleon Trade. Also, there will be a creative trade fair selling indigenous arts and crafts, and items from around the world.

PARKING
There is no ample parking at the pier, however there will be some at Quirino Grandstand.

FOR RESERVATIONS
E-mail Abi Portillo at diadelgaleon@yahoo.com with your information including: day, time, number of guests, contact information. 

The Galeon Andalucia is a replica of the 17th century Galleon. Guest can hop on-board and jump into history!



WEATHER 
 We do hope the weather cooperates with us. In case of heavy rain, the organizers have the right to close ship for safety reasons. 

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Age Limit at the Galleon

To everyone concerned (the schools and parents, especially) we regret to inform you that due to logistical issues, children below 8 years will not be allowed at the docking area of the Galeon Andalucia.
In addition to that, children below 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Apart from that, we hope to see you there!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

PRESS CONFERENCE on SEPTEMBER 16

L-R: Instituto Cervantes-Jose Maria Fons, Msgr. Nestor C. Cerbo, Festival Director General-Cecile Alvarez , Festival Chairperson-Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Fundación Nao Victoria-Guadalupe Fernandez Morente  , Fundación Nao Victoria- Joaquin Garrido Garcia, Ignacio, Director Jeremy Barns-National Museum, PACLAS Chairperson-Emmanuel Calairo





Senator Edgardo J. Angara- DDG Chairperson

Marble Hall, National Museum of the Filipino People


Friday, September 17, 2010

Books on the Galleon Trade=)


Please check out these really cool books on the Galleons and Cultural Transmission:

Legarda Jr, Benito J. After the Galleons: Foreign Trade, Economic Change and Entrepreneurship in the Nineteenth-Century Philippines. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 1999.

Alvina, Corazon S., Madulid, Domingo A. Flora Filipina: From Acapulco to Manila. Manila: ArtPostAsia, 2009.

Mercene, Floro L. Manila Men in the New World. Diliman, Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 2007.

(All festival collateral trivia were taken from these books and duly approved by the ff:
Senator Edgardo J. Ang, Dr. Fernando Zialcita, Ms. Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Dr. Isagani Cruz, Dr. Sandy Chua, Senor Guillermo Rivera)

New Updates!

We finally have more details about the ARTES TALLERES

WORKSHOPS SEP 21-OCT 8
(For invited artists and applicants)
Open to applicants with an expertise in any artistic discipline connected with the experience of the Galleon Trade and its manifestations. Knowledge of Indigenous and Hispanic cultures is preferred. Upon acceptance, delegates will take part in lectures, tours, presentations, and multi-media performances and be party of the Juana la Loca multi-media performance.

is

OPEN REGISTRANTS: Lecture only with free workshops from Sep 24-28
(Open to the public)
Lectures are for individuals who are interested in learning about Galleon Trade themes. For those who choose lectures, there will be 1–2 lectures per day; we will provide multimedia workshops complimentary for those who choose lectures for this week.  



We are very sorry about the constant changes, but they are because of technical difficulties. However, we promise to update everybody as soon as we get the details down pat. Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope to see you at Artes Talleres! :)

ARTES TALLERES-ARTS AND CULTURE WORKSHOPS FROM SEP 24-28 at only P2,500


Learn about the Galleon Trade-the good, the bad, and everything in between. Learn indigenous dance and world music from the Masters.
Join our fabulous lectures and workshops!

Registration from Sep 24-Sep 28. 5 days of fully packed lectures and workshops is only 2,500. Join now, slots are limited.
Go to 
www.ncca.gov.ph and check the Dia Del Galeon Festival, or email us at diadelgaleon@yahoo.com for registration information


September 24 ,Friday 10:00am

Registration
FORMAL OPENING CEREMONIES
DIA DEL GALEON
Interfaith Rituals
Welcome Addresses
Cultural ESPECTACULOS on Hispanized Traditions in the Galleon Trade Countries
Showcases from ARTES TALLERES
Excerpt from JUANA LA LOCA
Special Performance by Japanese Artist- JUN AMANTO

LECTURES:
Overview of the Galleon Trade History and the People of the Galleon (Historic, Political, Economic)
Lecture 5: Historical Overview
Panelist: Economic Implications (
Panelist: Political Implications
Panelist: Cultural Dimensions
Panelist: Migration and Diaspora engendered by Galleon Trade
Open Forum

September 25, Saturday 8:00 am

Movement and Dance Workshop: Ballet and Modern Dance
Lecture 6:
Cultural Transmission through the Galleon Trade
Lecture: Overview (45 minutes)
Panelist: (20 minutes) Visual Arts
Panelist: (20 minutes) Dance and Music
Panelist: (20 min) Cultural Mores
Open Forum

Lecture and Panel 7:
Role of the Religious Orders and the Church
Overview: The Augustinians (20 minutes)
Panel 1: The Augustinians (15 minutes)
Panel 2:The Recollects (15 minutes)
Panel 3: The Jesuits, Images and Icons (30 minutes)
Panel 4: The Dominicans (15 minutes)
Panel 5: The Franciscans (15minutes)

Creative Writing and Monodrama Workshop Session 1

Sept 26
Sunday EDUCATIONAL TOUR 1 (Intramuros area)

September 27,Monday 8:00 am

Music and Movement Workshop

Lecture 8: The Architectural Plan and Town Planning in the Colonies (30 minutes)
Lecture 9: Biodiversity- Flora and Fauna during the Galleon Trade (30 minutes)
Lecture 10: The Indigenous Peoples in the Americas during the Galleon Trade era (45 minutes)

Lecture 11: The Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines during the Galleon Trade era

INTERACTIVE FUSION WORKSHOP:
INDIGENOUS MUSIC AND DANCES from the Philippines and other countries participating

Lecture 12: The Environment Then and Now:
Global Warming, Climate Change, etc.
Biodiversity Then and Now

Lecture 13: Maritime Conditions then and Now

September 28, Tuesday 8:00 am

Music and Movement Workshop:

Lecture 14: The Chinese in the Philippines during the Galleon Trade (45 minutes)

Lecture 15: Independence Movements in the Continents of the Galleon Trade (Patriots, Heroes, Artists, Sites and Monuments)
Overview: (30 minutes)

Creative Reporting on the Latin American and Spanish experience of Independence and Arts of Liberation

Lecture 13: UNESCO Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures focusing on the works of Tagore, Neruda and Cesaire
Excerpt from PETA’S production THE POST OFFICE of Tagore
.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Artes Talleres Open Registration Form, updated

Dίa del Galeón Festival

The Philippines, the First ASEAN Culture Capital 20102011, will host the International Día del Galeón Festival 2010: Connecting Continents. With a 250-year history that connected four continents, the Galleon Trade was an essential trade route that served as a vessel for cultural exchange. 

 The festival will be held from September 21-October 11 in the Philippines and will include workshops, exhibits, educational tours and the docking of a replica Galleon in Manila Bay. Artes Talleres: The International Workshop is a major component of the festival which will bring artists and historians from around the world to collaborate and fuse their artistry with Galleon Trade themes. 

If you are interested to join Artes Talleres, you can download the workshop information and open registration form here. 

See you there!

Monday, August 23, 2010

UPDATED WORKSHOP INFORMATION!


ARTES TALLERES:   PLANNED WORKSHOP OUTLINE (adjusted Sept 20-Octber 1)
DATE/Time

ACTIVITY
VENUE
Sept 20
Monday

ARRIVAL

Sept 21
Tuesday

Morning











Afternoon


Evening
PLENARY:
Opening Ceremonies
Messages
Short Welcome Performances
Workshop Overview
Orientation to the program
Introduction of participants and Staff
House Rules
Lecture 1: Overview of the Galleon Trade History and the People of the Galleon (Historic, Political, Economic)

Lecture 2: Lecture Tour of the SANDIEGO GALLEON at the National Museum

Orientation to JUANA LA LOCA Rehearsals     
National Museum
Sept 22
Wednesday
Morning



Afternoon


Evening
 Lecture 3: Cultural Transmission through the Galleon Trade
MUSIC WORKSHOP

Interactive Fusion Workshop
Showcase Sharing from Participants (Europe)

JUANA LA LOCA Rehearsals     

Sept 23
Thursday
Morning



Afternoon


Evening
Lecture 4: Religion Then and Now (Role of the Religious Orders and the Church)
DANCE WORKSHOP

Interactive Fusion Workshop
Showcase Sharing from Participants (the Americas)

JUANA LA LOCA Rehearsals

Sept 24
Friday
Morning




Afternoon



Evening
Lecture 5: The Environment and  Eco-cultural Biodiversity Then and Now
Lecture 6: The Plight of Indigenous Peoples Then and now

THEATER  AND MONODRAMA WORKSHOP
Interactive Fusion Workshop
Showcase Sharing from the participants (Asia)

JUANA LA LOCA Rehearsals

Sept 25
Saturday
Morning







Afternoon


Evening
Lecture 7:  Maritime Themes Then and Now
Lecture 8: Independence Movements in the Continents of the galleon trade (Patriots, Heroes, Artists)
Input on : UNESCO Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures focusing on the works of Tagore, Neruda and Cesaire

VISUAL ARTS, CONTEMPORARY MEDIA AND CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

JUANA LA LOCA Rehearsals

Sept 26
Sunday

EDUCATIONAL TOUR 1
Rest and Reflection (Group Work Brainstorming )

Sept 27
Monday

Morning



Afternoon









Evening
Lecture 9: Crafts Then and Now
Lecture 10; Architecture and Building technologies then and now (Concepts on Urban Planning)

SHOWCASE /PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
THEMES:
Seafaring, Climate Change
Colonialism, Patriotism and Independence
Galleon Trade Characters
Rituals and Indigenous Peoples: Cultural identity
Love and Vision
Globalization, Political Economy
Religion and Spirituality

Interactive Fusion Workshop
JUANA LA LOCA Rehearsals

Sept 28
Tuesday-
Sept30
Thursday

Morning

Afternoon
Evening
SHOWCASE DEVELOPMENT
Interactive Fusion Workshop

JUANA LA LOCA Rehearsals

Oct 1
Friday
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
ARTES TALLERES Rehearsals

JUANA LA LOCA Rehearsals

Oct 2
Saturday



Rehearsals , Conceptualization and Laboratory of
DIA DEL GALEON FUSION COLLAGE FOR CONFERENCE and REUNION
Rehearsals of JUANA LA LOCA

Oct 3
Sunday

Rehearsals , Conceptualization and Laboratory of
DIA DEL GALEON FUSION COLLAGE FOR CONFERENCE and REUNION
Rehearsals of JUANA LA LOCA

Oct 4
Monday

Rehearsals , Conceptualization and Laboratory of
DIA DEL GALEON FUSION COLLAGE FOR CONFERENCE and REUNION
Rehearsals of JUANA LA LOCA  (TDR)

Oct 5
Tuesday

ARRIVAL OF ANDALUCIA GALLEON
ARTES TALLERES PRESENTATIONS IN
ANDALUCIA GALLEON and
PACLAS CONFERENCE

Rehearsals of JUANA LA LOCA (TDR)

Oct 6
Wednesday

ARTES TALLERES PRESENTATIONS IN
ANDALUCIA GALLEON and
PACLAS CONFERENCE

PREMIERE SHOW  JUANA LA LOCA

October
7

ARTES TALLERES PRESENTATIONS IN
ANDALUCIA GALLEON
Rehearsal for REUNION
PREMIERE SHOW  JUANA LA LOCA

October 8

DIA DEL GALEON!
REUNION

PREMIERE SHOW  JUANA LA LOCA

October 8-11

Participation of ARTES TALLERES participants in VIAJE DEL GALEON



  

Before the “Titanic”, there were the “Galleons”



Before the “TITANIC”, there were the GALLEONS, and the Filipinos were on them.  History visits the Philippines, as the Andalucia Galleon docks in Manila Bay.

MANILA, August 22, 2010-  Before the “TITANIC”, there were the GALLEON, and the Filipinos were on them. And now, everyone has a chance to jump aboard a mighty Galleon that once ruled the world.  From October 5-9, the Philippines will host the Galeon Andalucia, a 17th century replica of a Galleon. Berthing at the Manila Harbor, guests from all over will be able to view and walk through history.

Without fuel and minimal modern technology, the Galleon is almost exactly as it was four hundred years ago.

The Philippines will once again claim its glory as one of the centers of global trade and cultural transmission. The Galleons, which traveled twice a year from Manila to Acapulco, brought with it goods from four continents.  Bounties of the Earth such as silver, pearls and chocolate; and exquisitely made items such as porcelain, silk and pina were traded in Philippine and Mexican ports. Up to eighty percent of the crew were Filipinos, and to this very day, Filipinos are still renowned as Masters of the Seas.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Día del Galeón in partnernship with the Fundación Nao Victoria of Spain, have collaborated and will bring in a piece of world history on Philippine shores. The vessel departed last March 21 from Seville Spain and has crossed the Mediteranean and Indian Oceans. Currently, it is docked in the Shanghai International Expo in China.

The Galleon is 51 meters long and can hold up to 5,000 people per day! It weighs 495 tons and is reminiscent of days gone by.

For those who think history can only be read in old books, this will bring history to light. Philippine national and cultural agencies have pooled their resources together with the Philippine Ports Authority, MARINA, Philippine Coast Guard,  and the Philippine Shippers Association on-board to plan the arrival of the Galleon. The Galleon will be part of the Día del Galeón festivities for the months of September to October. Let us celebrate the new Philippine Renaissance.

The Día del Galeón Festival will focus on the impacts of the Galleon and will mirror the three concerns of the United Nations for the year 2010: the protection of biodiversity as impacted by climate change, the advancement of seafaring concerns, as well as Cultural Rapprochement. The Philippine festival will add a new dimension to the Galleon trade  as it will highlight the role and impact of the Filipinos during the trade as well as emphasizing indigenous art form and heritage at par with Hispanic art form. The Organizing Committee is chaired by NCCA’s Dr. Vilma Labrador, with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo as Advisory  Board Chair. Senator Edgardo J. Angara is the Honorary Chairperson of the event while Cecile Guidote-Alvarez is the Festival’s Director General.

Preparations are underway for the UNESCO-approved global observance of Día del Galeón scheduled for October 8 to remember its historic role as a trade route connecting continents and as a vessel of cultural exchange. For more information log onto www.ncca.gov.ph , www.diadelgaleon.blogspot.com <http://www.diadelgaleon.blogspot.com> , email diadelgaleon@yahoo.com or call (632) 527 2192 local 616. You can also reach us by facebook and twitter, just type diadelgaleon.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Friends of DDG

Thank you friends for your posts!


http://www.clickthecity.com/events/details.php?id=8621


http://ph.news.yahoo.com/mb/20100821/tph-the-galleon-andalucia-2d4f68f.html


http://bayanihan.org/2010/07/09/angara-leads-commemoration-of-the-galleon-trade/


http://www.filipinasmag.com/?p=874#more-874


Lorna Dietz of http://radiantview.com/blog/


http://www.getwet-asia.com/philippines/?p=823


http://philippineartscene.blogspot.com/2010/07/philippines-to-lead-1st-international.html


http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?
f=2010/august/5/lifestyle2.isx&d=2010/august/5


http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/lifestyle/21073-philippines-to-host-the-monumental-dia-del-galeon-fete


http://www.gmanews.tv/story/196257/ncca-to-hold-dia-del-galeon-festival-in-rp


http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=594363&publicationSubCategoryId=87


http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/07/20/10/1st-intl-galleon-day-fest-be-held-2010


http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/lifestyle/22115-dia-del-galeon-

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

ARTES TALLERES: An International Workshop melds Indigenous Art Forms

PRESS RELEASE

ARTES TALLERES: An International Workshop melds Indigenous Art Forms

“Gardy” Labad releases his workshop design for the Dia Del Galeon Festival---The Galleon Trade will pay homage to the Indigenous. A collaboration of indigenous art forms and Galleon Trade themes, the ARTES TALLERES is more than a workshop, it is a Rapprochement of Cultures.

August 18, 2010- Acclaimed composer and director Lutgardo “Gardy” Labad has finally rolled out the schedule for ARTES TALLERES: THE WORKSHOP for the Dia Del Galeon Festival. The Philippines is the first country in the world to hold a festival to create awareness of the Galleon trade and its impact on the world. But this time, the Galleon Trade will pay homage to the indigenous.

More than thirty countries will send their delegates to the Philippines for the workshop and will be joined by Philippine artists and educators. Gardy Labad reiterates, “In line with the commitment to implement the UNESCO Arts education roadmap, this will be a valuable contribution to evolve a media arts module that will fuse indigenous expression with Galleon Trade themes such as post-colonialism, cultural transmission, trade impact, climate change and plight of the seafarers.” Among the delegates are groups from the Philippines’ School of Living Traditions, Capoiera artists from Brazil and Puppeteers from Vietnam. For many, this will not only be a collaboration, but a Rapprochement of Cultures. The Philippine festival will highlight the Philippine role in the Galleon trade as well as emphasizing indigenous art forms.


Many of the delegates are from countries that have been affected by the Galleon Trade and colonization such as Mexico, Peru, El Salvador, and the festival would like to highlight the influence that these countries have brought to the world. The workshops are packed from Day 1 to Day 21, with lectures in the morning, collaborative performances in the afternoon, and rehearsals in the evening for the climatic production of Juana La Loca. Written by Mexican playwright Miguel Sabido, the play highlights the “mad” life of Juana La Loca, grandmother of Philip II, the King who the Philippines was named after. The play will fuse Filipino and Spanish languages dialogue involving workshop participants, local actors, and a Spanish composer.

The festival will focus on the impacts of the Galleon and it will mirror the three concerns of the United Nations for the year 2010: the protection of biodiversity as impacted by climate change, the advancement of seafaring concerns, as well as Cultural Rapprochement.
ARTES TALLERES: THE WORKSHOP is open for applications. Deadline is September 1. For more information log onto www.ncca.gov.ph or e-mail diadelgaleon@yahoo.com

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

DESCRIPTION

The Philippines, the First ASEAN Culture Capital 2010–2011, will host the International Día del Galeón Festival 2010: Connecting Continents. With a 250-year history that connected four continents, the Galleon Trade was an essential trade route that served as a vessel for cultural exchange.

OBJECTIVES

• To assess the impact of the Galleon Trade as a vessel of cultural transmission across the continents of Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe in the aspects of food, agriculture, arts, religion, customs, knowledge, and world-views
• To highlight the Philippine contribution to the Galleon Trade
• To trace the effects of the Galleon Trade as a major influence in world political economy through the trade routes and international commerce it globally spawned and its repercussions on present-day globalization
• To establish the role of the Galleon Trade in the development of the marine sciences and their related areas of knowledge (geology, oceanology, geography) and focus on biodiversity and underwater heritage survival
• To affirm the integrity and importance of the indigenous peoples in their continuing heritage against the historical struggles of colonization as an important contribution to the universal process of human liberation and peoples’ empowerment
• To affirm the protection of the oceans and seas from the pollution and impact of climate change
• To affirm the effects of the historical encounter of peoples engendered by the Galleon Trade and the Spanish colonization, generating new forms of cultural, political, and economic achievements and expressions
• To establish the historic role of seafarers, such as the Filipino seafarers, during the centuries of the Galleon Trade and their contemporary manifestations in the lives of modern marine workers in the light of their struggles for human rights and human working conditions


Día del Galeón Events
ARTES TALLERES: THE WORKSHOP
September 15–October 8
A three-week interdisciplinary festival of workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, and performances with participants from the Philippines and all the continents with the Galleon Trade experience.
• Workshops on arts and heritage
• Theatrical production of Miguel Sabido’s Juana la Loca
• Literary and visual art exhibits

PACLAS LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES CONFERENCE
October 5-October 7
A forum that brings together scholars to share current research. This year’s theme is “The Bicentennial of the Independence of Latin American Nations”.
• The emergence of Latin American identities including the role of culture and language in nationhood
• Independence movements, personalities and leaders
• Post Colonial Development, including national and regional histories
• Parallelism in the Philippines

ESPECTÁCULOS
October 6- October 8
A harvest of performances and media arts modules reflecting on the themes of Galleon trade through its history and impact. It will include a climatic production of Juana La Loca by Mexican playwright Miguel Sabido, The play will fuse Filipino and Spanish languages in a unique intercultural dialogue involving a multinational cast.
ANDALUCÍA
A replica of the 17th century Galleon from Spain will dock in the Manila Pier for public viewing. Guests can climb on-board and view the Galleon Museum.

REUNIÓN
October 8
An intercultural dialogue and culminating activity for workshop participants and guests; these will include presentations, creative industry exhibits, and declarations for unified action on the themes and impact of the Galleon Trade. Launching of the book, Encuentro , edited by Father Pedro Gallende, OSA, which describes the first contact between the Filipinos and Spanish.
VIAJE DEL GALEÓN
October 8–11
A four-day educational trip from Manila to Cebu with on-board activities and tours around Cebu. The conference and workshop participants will lead the activities, to be shared to youth passengers
• On-board seminars, interactive performances, exhibits,
• On-land Galleon Trade significance reenactments, City and heritage tours
COMMEMORATIVE and REGIONAL EVENTS
A series of commemorative events and gestures will be programmed to provide focus and emphasis to this international celebration.
•Commemorative Stamp
• Bilingual declamation and oratorical contests
• Pilgrimage

FOR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS:
Día del Galeón Festival
6F NCCA Building, 633 General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila
Telephone: (632) 527 2192 local 616
Email: diadelgaleon@yahoo.com
Website: www.ncca.gov.ph
FB/TWITTER/BLOGSPOT- diadelgaleon

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Message by Hubert Gijzen, Director and Representative, UNESCO Office, Jakarta

http://www.unesco.or.id/download/Director_Speech_Bohol_Philippines.pdf

In Observance of the Year for Biodiversity and Cultural Rapprochement
Highlighting Bohol as the July ASEAN Cultural Capital and
Regional Launching Site of UNESCO Día del Galeón (Galleon Day) 2010
In Celebration of the Bohol Sandugo Festival, themed “Bohol crossing borders and forging connectivity towards ASEAN Regional Partnership”
Bohol Cultural Centre, Bohol Province, Philippines, 22 July 2010

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning.

I am extremely pleased to join you on this occasion of Bohol Day, celebrating the
Philippines as the 1st ASEAN Cultural Capital and the Province of Bohol as the ASEAN
Cultural Capital in Philippines for month of July.


Firstly, I would like to express our congratulations and sincere appreciation to the
Provincial Government of Bohol, the Government of the Philippines, the UNESCO
National Commission, the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), and the
ASEAN member countries for actively promoting cooperation in the field of culture, and
for aiming to enhance mutual understanding and solidarity among the peoples of
Southeast Asia.

Considering the importance of intercultural dialogue as a most pressing contemporary
issue, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2010 the International Year for
the Rapprochement of Cultures, and designated UNESCO to play a leading role in the
celebration of the Year to advance “the mutual knowledge and understanding of
peoples”.

In this respect, I am pleased that the Philippine proposal for the Commemoration of the
galleon trade between the Philippines and Mexico through the proclamation of a “Día del
Galeón” (Day of the Galleon) was unanimously approved during the 35th session of
UNESCO General Conference in Paris in October last year. The resolution noted that
starting in 1565 for 250 years (1565-1815), the Manila-Acapulco galleons linked Asia
with America, Europe and also Africa and served not only as carriers of trade but
transmitters of cultures as well. The General Conference proclaims 8 October every year
as Día del Galeón (or Galleon Day). This year is the first commemoration of Día del
Galeón, a recognition of the contribution of the galleon trade to the establishment of
linkages between the cultures of Asia, America, Europe and Africa. In this regard we
would like to encourage and support all initiatives which will be taken in this regard at the
national, regional and international levels.

In the light of the declaration of 2010 as “International Year for the Rapprochement of
Cultures”, which highlights the links among and diversity of cultures, it is fitting to
commemorate the beginnings of world trade and cross-cultural contacts.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of
peace must be constructed”. Many of you will remember this first line from the UNESCO
constitution. Exchange and dialogue between cultures are the best tools for building
peace. The main objective of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures is,
therefore, to bring attention to the valuable benefits of cultural diversity worldwide, and
help strengthen dialogue among the world’s citizens.

With the goal of ensuring the broadest visibility of cultural rapprochement and its
greatest impacts at local and international levels, UNESCO aims at strengthening the
cooperation with its partners, particularly: the National Commissions of UNESCO
Member States, various agencies of the United Nations systems, intergovernmental,
governmental and non-governmental organizations, Goodwill Ambassadors and Artist
for Peace, UNESCO Chairs and Associated Schools, Clubs and Centres,
parliamentarians, locally elected officials, the world of culture, science, education and
the media, religious leaders and other opinion leaders as well as youth organization. The
ultimate aim is to foster respect for each other’s culture and break down the barriers
between different cultures.

In observance of the Year for Biodiversity and Cultural Rapprochement, in conjunction
with the Bohol Foundation Day, Bohol as the July ASEAN Cultural capital, and the First
Year Commemoration of the UNESCO Dia Del Galeon, I wish you a most successful
and joyful celebration.

Thank you for your attention.

Hubert Gijzen
Bohol, 22 July, 2010