As the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand continues to embark on its cultural and people diplomacy, Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for the members of the NZ Filifest Cultural Group Inc. The dinner served as a night of fellowship and camaraderie with New Zealand Filifest Cultural Group, Inc. together with the Philippine Embassy families and friends on 23 August 2013.

The Filifest Group, a professionally managed Filipino Festival Dance Group, organized by Ms. Anita Mansell, QSM, Ms. Esmeralda Young, Mr. Jun Samblaceño and Ms. Gina Reid, is known for its successful cultural performances in Wellington, Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland. Its laudable objectives include the preservation of Philippine music and folk dances indigenous to the different regions of the Philippines as well as the promotion and understanding of the Philippines in the wider communities of New Zealand.

The Filifest Group performed a special hand mime presentation of the song “Amigos Para Siempre” showcased with the Philippine Embassy families and friends during the celebration of Philippine Independence Day on 19 June 2013. The song has a special meaning for Ambassador Benavidez as it is a song that conveys life-long friendship and enduring partnership between the Philippines and New Zealand.

In speaking before her guests, Ambassador Benavidez thanked them for their continuing cooperation and partnership with the Philippine Embassy and for projecting the best of what Filipinos can show to New Zealanders and foreigners in the performing arts. She exhorted them to continue being ambassadors of goodwill and Philippine culture. “We look forward to collaborating with you in many more projects and activities to project our rich and varied cultural heritage and enhance closer people-to-people friendship and understanding between the Philippines and New Zealand,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.

Ms. Mansell spoke in behalf of the NZ Filifest Cultural Group Inc. and reiterated their deep appreciation for the support and recognition given to their cultural initiatives and performances, the warm hospitality and gracious reception they always receive at “Ang Bahay” and their readiness to contribute to showcasing the Filipino talents and artistry through music, songs and dances. The guests thanked Ambassador Benavidez, the Philippine Embassy officers and staff, the “Ang Bahay” Team for a delightful and enjoyable dinner and fellowship as they all felt at home amidst the Filipiniana ambience of the Residence.