wfn.org | BWNS-- Arts on display in scenic city

[Bahá'í World News Service <bwns@bwc.org>]

Baha'i World News Service
See story and photographs on BWNS site at http://news.bahai.org
For more information, contact editor@bahaiworldnews.org

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines, 10 March 2005 (BWNS) -- This scenic city
proved an ideal venue for the Baha'i National Arts Festival.

Known for its beautiful views and rich cultural heritage, the city
provided the right atmosphere for the festival, held between 26 and 29
December 2004.

Baha'i artists came from 20 localities in the country to perform,
display their art, and encourage others to explore their own artistic
skills and talents.

Performers, like the rock band Sublime Vision, sang songs they had
composed. The NCR (National Capital Region) youth group gave dramatized
performances about the early history of the Baha'i Faith.

The dances performed by the San Jose City youth troupe included
depictions of Baha'i principles in their presentations.

A trio of dancers -- Tessie Elisan, Early Soledad, and Bebeth Vergara --
performed modern and traditional dances.

Poetry by Baha'i authors, recited in English and Tagalog -- the official
languages of the Philippines -- won a warm reception at the festival.

Baha'i spokesperson Fe Samaniego later praised the quality of the
festival program and the performances.

"The number and variety of skilled performers and artists demonstrates
the depth of the artistic talent of the Baha'i community of the
Philippines," Ms. Sanaiego said.

"It also shows the commitment of Baha'is to include artistic expression
in all their activities in line with the encouragement from the
Universal House of Justice," she said.

Youth, junior youth, and adult groups held discussions at the festival
about the use of the arts in community activities.

Children also had an important role to play. They recited poems and
prayers and took part in musical performances. In special workshops
children learnt about the role of prayer.

The guest of honor at the festival was a member of the Continental Board
of Counsellors in Asia, Dr. Humaida Jumalon. Among other participants
were some members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of
the Philippines and of the Regional Baha'i Council of Central Luzon.