DIA DEL GALEON KICKS OFF WITH A GRAND LAUNCH

The much-awaited intercultural festival kicks off today as the official launch of the Dia del Galeon is celebrated at the National Museum in Manila.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of the Dia del Galeon Steering Committee with the rest of the festival team initiated the opening ceremony today at the National Museum's Marble Hall. Also present were the representatives from the Fundacion Nao Victoria, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA and the Spanish Embassy.

The program featured Angara as the keynote speaker, with messages from the other members of the Dia del Galeon Organizing Committee. The artists from the Espectaculos group briefly discussed the Hispanized traditions in the Galleon Trade countries, followed by a performance by Japanese Artist Jun Amanto.

Today not only marks the first day of the entire Dia del Galeon festival, but also highlights the series of international workshops which started this Monday.

The Artes Talleres: The International Workshops is a three-week interdisciplinary festival of lectures, workshops and demonstrations, exhibits and performances held by artists and experts from the countries that took part in the famed Manila-Acapulco trade route. These activities will run for three weeks, from September 20 until October 4.

For more information about the Dia del Galeon Festival, please visit www.ncca.gov.ph or http://diadelgaleon.blogspot.com. You may also call the National Commission for Culture and the Arts at 527-2192 local 616.