BEAUTY IN DIVERSITY. Ambit Kultura celebrates diversity wherein students don colorful costumes of different countries and tribes of the Philippines. Photo by Datu Norhamidin Mamasainged.
Words of Eloise Jeph Serra and Datu Norhamidin Mamasainged
Our differences are worth celebrating. The differences we possess make up our “identity” and in the greater scheme of things, our diversity must be embraced as well as celebrated.
Xavier Univesity - Ateneo de Cagayan is an academic institution that is devoted to the appreciation, preservation, and enrichment of the Filipino culture and heritage. The university created an avenue for people, especially the youth, the opportunity to appreciate and share each other’s culture, hoping to debunk some misconceptions and prejudices against other groups. This target led to a collaboration among the XU chapter of the American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs Philippines, SIRAJ Muslim Religious Organization, Kaliwat Ki Apo Agyu, and XU Social Development Office to organize a week-long celebration of cultures and diversity through the Ambit Kultura held from September 19 to 24 at XU Peace Park.
With the theme “Advocating Unity and Harmony through Celebrating Beauty in Diversity,” the said activity aimed to raise awareness among students the importance of intercultural dialogue and inclusion.
The International Day of Peace on Sept 21 was celebrated alongside the opening of the Ambit Kultura art, crafts, and photo exhibit at the XU Peace Park. Intercultural and interfaith dialogue advocates, leaders and students from different groups attended the said event. The exhibit featured the wonders and “the magnificence of the unnoticed” from different tribes and religions. It also showcased the artistry and multifarious talents of people working behind the curtains. Besides portraying what makes each culture unique, the exhibit also displayed the beauty of various tribes, religions, and communities through vivid photographs and mementos, aiming to challenge the audience to look at things from different perspectives without biases.
FOOD BAZAAR. Ambit Kultura also features Filipino and Western delicacies for its food bazaar held at the XU Peace Park. Photo by Datu Norhamidin Mamasainged.
Ambit Kultura did not just offer luxuries for the eyes but it also included informative lectures, enchanting the minds and hearts of the participants. A talk from Higaonon tribe's Bai Rose Lumandong and homegrown artist Rhyan Casiño on the rights and cultures of the indigenous peoples captivated the audience. The speakers have encouraged all of us to be more respectful and reflective on the things we do to our Lumad groups and to the environment.
Muslim leader Khalid Bashier shared on fundamentals and pillars of Islam which gave the listeners a glimpse of being a modern Muslim while strongly upholding the roots of their faith.
A lecture on interfaith dialogue was also led by XU campus minister Monalisa Pangan presented the realities that have divided the people since the early civilization. She also challenged the youth to offer a helping hand in order to build bridges and mend our gaps so we could live harmoniously.
Lastly, XU Development Communication graduate Carlou Odchigue brought the audience to different places through his sharing of his own experiences as an AFS scholar in the US. Odchigue underscored the spirit of volunteerism as an essential component in becoming a global Filipino youth.
One of the much-awaited showcases during the week-long celebration was the fashion show of the national costumes of different countries and the costumes of various tribes in the Philippines. Models wore the clothes with poise and grace as they took the runway.
Following the fashion show was a food bazaar everyone was looking forward to because it featured delicious Filipino food alongside mouth-watering Western delicacies.
AFS-USA has recognized Ambit Kultura as the official entry of AFS-Philippines to the #GlobalGoals Week celebration, which aims to promote action, awareness, and accountability towards sustainable development.
AFS supports the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, particularly, Goal 4: Quality Education (Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning) and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies). ∎
BEAUTIFUL TAUSUG. A student wears the Tausug traditional dress with brass accessories during the Ambit Kultura fashion show. Photo by Datu Norhamidin Mamasainged.