More than 30 young second and third generation Filipinos participated in an art workshop which culminated in a successful showcase presentation in Vienna.

The Cultural Integrated Arts Workshop (CIAW) was sponsored by the Pinas First, a Filipino movement in Austria that aims to promote social transformation in the Philippines.

“The workshop and the showcase presentation help to develop further awareness, appreciation and pride in Filipino history, culture and heritage and respect for other cultures that will bring into the reality of the Austrian-Filipino culture,” said Manuel Sarmiento, president of Pinas First-Austria.

Sarmiento said that such affair promote friendship and cooperation in the Filipino migrant community.

The presentation showcased cultural traditions from different regions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and was held at the Grosser Theatersaal, VHS Ottakring, Ludo-Hartmann-Platz 7, 1160 Wien.
 
“Isa itong pagkakataon para makilala namin ang aming katauhan bilang third generation of Filipinos here in Austria at para makita at makilala din ang kultura ng Pilipinas dahil hindi kami ipinanganak sa Pilipinas,” said participant Elena Saturay.

“Our presentations are the fruits of the one week workshop. This gives us a brief experience in exploration of different means of creative and artistic expression, gaya ng creative drama, creative writing, music, sound, dance, movement and visual arts in a relaxed, informal and even playful environment,” another Filipino youth participant commented.

Head facilitator, Maria Michaela Saturay of Concerned Artists of the Philippines, expressed her deep appreciation for the utmost interest of the young Pinoy-Austrian participants.

“Through the workshop and the culmination show, we were able to awaken in the minds and hearts, not only among the participants but also the audience the awareness, appreciation and pride in Filipino history, culture and heritage,” Saturay said.

The workshop was made possible through the support of the Vienna Culture Ministry and the Volkhochschule Ottakring.

Pinas First was founded in 2005. Its mission is to encourage Filipino migrants and their families to uphold and promote their rights and welfare and engage them to actively take part in the national social transformation of the Philippines.