Pinoys in Belgium once again grabbed the limelight when they showed their Belgian friends the Philippines’ rich culture and tradition through cultural presentations.

Wearing colourful costumes, young and old performers danced to popular folkdances. The highlight, however, was the Flores de Mayo which is traditionally held in the Philippines on the month of May.

For several years now, Lucy Magmanlac Nuyens, head of Belgian-Philippine Solidarity Group has brought Pinoys and Belgians together in an effort to minimize possible intercultural mishaps. She firmly believes that misunderstandings among different nationalities will be avoided if one understands each other’s culture. According to her, this is vital in promoting harmonious relationship between Pinoys and Belgians.

Fely Schenrwater, a Pinoy from the Netherlands thinks that gatherings such as this shall give Belgians better understanding of the Filipinos’ uniqueness.

“I think this show is very important because we show our solidarity to the Europeans in Belgium,” she said.

“Reyna Elena” Jessica Surian admitted being proud to be part of the parade.

“Though I’m half French and half Filipina, I’m proud to show you the Philippine tradition and Philippine culture,” Surian said.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Philip Heylen of Antwerp showed support to Filipinos whom he considers as good residents. Antwerp is home to more than 160 nationalities in the country.

“Antwerp is a very international city and we have a lot of different cultures in Antwerp. In Antwerp, we have different nationalities and among them are Filipinos. We are happy that Filipinos have been organizing this feast, this Flores de Mayo, which I think is very important in the Philippines. I hope that a lot of people here in Antwerp will enjoy it and see the colour of friendship that Filipinos offer,” Heylen said.