The panel, ‘Entry points between the Philippines and UK’ organised by the British Council brought policymakers, cultural leaders, artists, and academics together in dialogue. Focusing on arts and culture post-pandemic, they reflected on existing and potential cultural links between the Philippines and the UK. The event was part of Partner South East Asia: Arts and Culture Matters, an online fora curated by the British Council. It ran from 22 to 25 November 2021. It aimed to strengthen ties between the cultural sector of Southeast Asia and the UK.
Moderator: Dr. Rafael Schacter, Curator; Lecturer, Anthropology and Material Culture, University College London
- Pio Abad, Visual artist, UK/ Philippines
- Pauline Juan, Executive Director, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Philippines
- Deirdre McKay, Professor of Sustainable Development, Keele University, Chair, ASEAS-UK
- Hon. Loren Legarda, Deputy Speaker, District Representative Antique, Philippines
- Chris Millado, Artistic Director, Cultural Center of the Philippines
- Lotus Postrado, Country Director, British Council, Philippines
- Malaya del Rosario, Head of Arts and Creative Industries, British Council, Philippines
Highlights
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International networks and TV shows on Philippine culture have succeeded in creating interest for the country’s rich heritage and cultural practices.
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The Cultural Center of the Philippines, whose longest-running play was UK-produced, Miss Saigon, is slowly opening its doors to the public and welcomes international connections through cultural agreements with foreign organisations.
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Filipino creatives are widely employed globally within game development, animation, and design. On the consumption end, Filipino start-up Yield Guild Games is engaging 45,000 gamers to participate in play-to-earn games.
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Filipino artworks like Pio Abad’s, as acquired by the Tate Modern, help expand ‘historical narratives within the British context.’
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The British Council can contribute significantly in paving the way for sector development in the Philippines through increased cultural connections.