75th anniversary celebration of French-Philippine diplomatic relations

Up to the Sky! is a street art exhibit featuring the works of French artist CEET and Filipino artist EGG FIASCO, curated by Claire Thibaud. CEET and EGG FIASCO have collaborated to paint a mural at the Bonifacio High Street, Taguig to celebrate the Franco-Philippine friendship.

This exhibition will showcase a collection covering a period of 75 years of painting, sculpture, design and other genres of work by Filipino and French artists. The exhibition is called Diamond in the Rough because much like friendship, art creation is like a rough diamond that becomes more exquisite in time when polished and treated with care. The exhibit will survey the works of Filipinos who have studied, lived, or continue to practice in either of the countries and how the culture and influence of both countries impact their role in the development of creative economies. Based on an idea by Dr. Joven R. Cuanang and curated by Sandra Palomar, the exhibit features around 40 works of Filipino contemporary artists who have lived in France (Stella Rojas, Manuel Baldemor, Rock Drilon, Nena Sagil, Vitalis, Gaugin, etc.), as well as French artists living in the Philippines (Henri Etève, Olivia d’Aboville, Maia d’Aboville, Pierre de Vallombreuse).

Organized by the Alliance française de Manille and B-Side Productions, with support from the French Embassy and the Department of Tourism, this 26th edition of the Fête de la Musique in the Philippines is a showcase of French and Philippine musical talent as French musical artists Marc Fichel, DJ Blutch, and Maxime Cozic collaborate with Filipino artists to produce original co-creations and perform in several stages in Siargao, Cebu, El Nido, and Baguio from June 21 to 28, 2022.

On July 10, French conductor Michaël Cousteau takes the baton to perform once again with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra at the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the "French-ship" Concert. It also marks the PPO’s first live homecoming at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. Three French masterpieces from Claude Debussy, Camille Saint Saëns and Maurice Ravel highlight the finesse of French orchestral music. South Korean cellist Kyongmin Nam Fiel performs the First concerto for Cello by Camille Saint Saëns. It also highlights the Filipino piece and nationally-known serenade “Hating Gabi, ” with Adrian Nicolas Ong playing the solo violin part.

From July 29 to July 31, the Cultural Center of the Philippines presents "Bayan Bayanan: Texts from Home", a classic play adapted from the award-winning playwright Bienvenido Noriega, Jr., and directed by internationally-acclaimed Dr. Anton Juan. It is a musical comedy showing the plight of Filipino migrants abroad, their experiences, coping mechanisms, ambitions, dreams, desperation and disappointments. The performance will feature French singer Tamara Aguilos, among other talented artists.

French film director Frédéric Auburtin joins the jury of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival from August 5 to August 14, 2022.

Mula sa Buwan is an original Filipino musical adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s French classic, Cyrano de Bergerac. Although it retains the plot of unrequited love, question of beauty and the relentless battle against compromise, it has now been re-imagined to tell a more familiar story: ours. Now set in 1940s Manila, among young ROTC cadets, blushing colegialas, led by misfits, fools, and dreamers –– the play shows the innocence and beauty of our nation. Music harana, kundiman, camaraderie, wit, passion, and hope abound!

Since its launch by the Alliance française de Manille in 2010, the Philippine Artist Residency Program (PARP) since sent 7 Filipino artists to France and French artists to the Philippines. This year, the PARP will be a simultaneous cross-cultural exchange for the first time with a French artist coming for residency in the Philippines and a Filipino artists coming to La Rochelle, France.

An exhibit featuring past participants of the PARP will be mounted at the Alliance française de Manille gallery on September 14, 2022.

The French Embassy, together with the Alliance française de Manille, feature the works of past recipients of the AFM Philippine Artist Residency Program including Filipino artists Riel Hilario, Goldie Poblador, Poklong Anading, Eric Zamuco, Dexter Sy, and Jill Paz, and French artist Vincent Ruffin in 500 Million Little Bells, 500 Million Little Springs: A Commemorative Exhibition.

• runs from September 14 to October 13, 2022
• Alliance Française de Manille Gallery
• Curated by Gwen Bautista

The exhibit revisits the artists’ experiences while completing their residencies and invites the audience to examine works produced, influenced by, or somehow drawn from living between the two countries. Lifted from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s seminal work, The Little Prince, it speaks about the temporariness of our mortal existence and the permanence of presence through the intangible ways that we affect one another.

A night of poetry reading and awarding of winners of a poetry-video competition, organized by Alliance française de Manille and the Likhaan Creative Writing Foundation on September 20, 2022.

Are you planning to learn French? Are you searching for a career development? Are you planning to immigrate to a French-speaking country?

Discover amazing career prospects and interact with successful French-speaking professionals through this online forum happening on September 30, Friday, from 3:00PM-8:00PM SGT! Admission is FREE!

Register here: https://live.eventtia.com/en/afsoutheastasia

In the framework of the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and France, the Embassy of France, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance, and Alliance Française de Manille organize "FRAncoFIL", a hybrid forum to highlight the rich opportunities brought about by the friendship between our two countries. The 16 years partnership between CSB and AFM have seen students learning French and going to Bordeaux, Paris and Strasbourg!

The speakers H.E. Michèle Boccoz, Ambassador of France to the Philippines and Ambassador Cristina G. Ortega, President of the Alliance Française de Manille and Former Philippine Ambassador to France, along with Ambassador Marilyn J. Alarilla, Former Philippine Ambassador to Turkey and Laos, discussed bilateral relations, as well as the job of a diplomat and their career paths, with students of CSB’s School of Diplomacy and Governance.

DLS-CSB resident chorale group, Coro San Benildo, capped the event with a special performance.

In celebration of French Volunteer Day, the French Embassy and France Volontaires advocate for inclusion and reciprocity in a day filled with sports activities at Lycée Français de Manille - LFM.

This year’s edition echoes the program of Terre de Jeux 2024 to send Filipino volunteers to France for the organization of the Olympic Games.

Together with Alliance française de Manille, Life Project 4 Youth - LP4Y, Virlanie Foundation, Philippine Sports Commission, Decathlon, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), Jollibee Group Foundation, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, and UP Le Club Français, we champion the commitment and work of volunteers for empowerment, peace, and friendship through sports.

The French Embassy and Alliance française de Manille proudly present the exhibition Marcel Proust: In Search of Lost Time, a series of illustrations created by French artist Stéphane Heuet at the Alliance Française de Manille Gallery from October 17-31, 2022. Exhibition is open to the public!

Inspired by the descriptions of Marcel Proust’s literature, Stéphane Heuet builds his drawings as visual transcriptions of the text. He takes on the role of the narrator, the novel’s main character, for the characters’ narrative and dialogue for the text bubbles of his drawings.

Heuet’s style, known for his characteristic simple lines and colors, allows readers to identify with the novel’s characters and project their memories of reading the book.

In Search of Lost Time is a comic book series collection of 25 years and is still in progress. It includes over 2,500 drawings divided into 8 albums and 2 complete works.

In partnership with SM Malls and the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), there will be a touring portrait exhibit of 75 personalities who embody the joy brought by French-Philippine relations. These personalities represent all sectors, from diplomatic and government to NGOs to entertainment and art.

Dates: Vernissage - November 29, Podium Mall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong Tour - From November 30 throughout the end of the first quarter of 2023

This exhibit transforms the entire Alliance Française de Manille into a digital space to deliver an educational and entertaining discovery. This exhibit was made possible with the partnership of the Institute Française and DLSU-CSB.

For the first time since Alliance Française de Manille launched AFM-PARP in 2010 and in celebration of the 75th anniversary, the program provided a simultaneous cross-cultural exchange, where Louis Guillaume, a French visual artist, came to the Philippines at the same time Issay Rodriguez, a Filipino artist, spent some time in Rochelle, France.

Guillaume created a series of artworks that he named Ibong Napaparam (Fleeting Bird). With this collection, he invites the viewer to wander through installations that recall his journey through the Philippines.

The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines is organizing the “75th Gala Anniversary: France - Philippines Diplomatic Relations” happening on October 22, 2022, 6:00 PM at Raffles & Fairmont Makati.

This prestigious platform aims to celebrate the engagements between the two countries, wherein their achievements and milestones are highlighted through a series of activities. Such as a Charity Art Auction, a Sustainability Business Awards entitled Le Trophée Bleu, and a Fashion Show that pays homage to the Coastline of Brittany and the famous Philippine South Sea Pearls.

Furthermore, we have the honor of experiencing both French and Filipino culture through the exquisite meals prepared by a 3-star Michelin Chef, Chef Alain Passard flying in from Paris, and Chef Jessie Sincioco from the Philippines.

The French film festival has been one of the most-awaited French events in the city. The Filipinos and the French share a passion for moving images. Soon after the Lumière brothers invented cinema, Pathé projectors found their way to the Philippine islands and soon enough Filipinos were making films already. The French Film Festival has been bringing some of the most critically acclaimed and crowd pleasers to the discerning Filipino audience in search of movies that look into social issues, family values and beautiful scenery that are close to the heart.

On this 25th edition, and as part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of France-Philippine diplomatic relations, the festival brings to Manila a fresh selection of films, current releases and some that came out in the last two years.

Chef Jessie Sincioco, one of our country’s premiere restaurateurs, has invited Chef Alain Passard, renowned French chef and owner of the 3-star Michelin restaurant, L’Arpège in Paris, to share his culinary expertise to aspiring culinary students. The goal is to create dishes that bring together French and Filipino flavors.

On October 24, Chef Jessie and Chef Alain will go to 2 culinary schools: Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo from 10 am to 12nn and Lyceum of the Philippines from 3 pm to 5 pm.

After an introduction and hands-on demonstration of a dish, both chefs will open the room for a Q&A with the students.

The production, formed with the collaboration between the CCP Office of the President and the French Embassy in Manila, features pieces by renowned French choreographer, Redha Benteifour, as well as works by young Filipino choreographers.

During the premiere, the production presents 2 existing pieces by Redha Benteifour (Champs Elysees & Demoiseilles des Roqueforts) and 1 new piece.

During the encore, the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines performs “NOW”, choreographed by Lester Reguindin, “VISAYAN SUITE OF DANCES” choreographed by Erl Sorilla, John Ababon, and AL Abraham, and “I WANNA SAY SOMETHING” choreographed by JM Cabiling.

The concert was made in collaboration with Alice Reyes, founder of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines and recipient of the National Artist of the Philippines in 2014.

The gallery, created by Claire Thibaud-Piton, aspires to highlight the works of European and Asian artists who use their creativity to reflect modern-day struggles and challenges in a new and interesting way. This was done in partnership with the Rose Studio Art Gallery.

Rose Studio Art Gallery invites viewers to pause and truly experience the incomprehensible magnitude of the true meaning of life through the latest creations of established and young urban artists.

Vinyl on Vinyl is dedicated to featuring modern-day pop culture artists seeking to find a venue to showcase and explore their craft amidst the surplus of conventional art forms. The gallery reflects the lifestyle and passion of its artists influenced by surrealism, after-modernism, underground and street art; along with other emerging and unexplored genres.

The Embassy of France awards five notable Filipino alumni who have used their international education to help our country thrive and provide better opportunities and work knowledge for more aspiring local entrepreneurs and artists.

The awardees are Doctor Raymond Yrreverre Nuñez, the first Southeast Asian to be under the tutelage of the pioneer of modern shoulder surgery, Dr. Laurent Lafosse, during his fellowship training at Alps Surgery Institute - Clinique Générale d’Annecy in 2007; Mark Edward Meily, an award-winning producer who studied film at the Ecole Supérieure d’Etudes Cinématographiques (ESEC) in Paris; Doctor Julius Andrew Nuñez, who was among the ranks of the PhilFrance-CHED scholars, having completed his Ph.D. in materials science at the Université Grenoble Alpes earlier in 2022; Jojie Lloren, a fashion designer and entrepreneur who studied at the Ecole de Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne; and Daniela Laurel, former doctorate scholar at HEC Paris.

With the concept of “Eat, Drink, and Shop”, the first-ever French-Philippine Christmas market in Ayala Triangle will feature various gourmet food, wine, and artisanal gifts. It will take place in the cozy and busy outdoor area in Ayala Triangle during its famous and highly anticipated annual light show festival.

The event, made in collaboration with the Embassy of France and Ayala Triangle, will showcase French and Filipino food and drinks with handmade or original crafted products.

The event will kick off on Saturday, December 3 at 5 pm with a presentation by the Little Singers of Paris together with the Loboc children’s choir, Paris and Manila dancers with choreography signed by the French artist, Redha Benteifour, and a Les Grandes Personnes performance by Iloilo acrobats and NGO Cameleon.

The Little Singers of Paris, also known as the “Ambassadors of France”, are one of the most accomplished international boys’ choirs in the world. They are known for their repertoire and precision and are now currently under the artistic direction of Vincent Bruggerman.

Until quite recently, the choirboys’ repertoire had been exclusively religious. However, in the 1960s, the group embraced more popular music and regularly collaborates with various crossover artists to reveal the depths of their musical uniqueness and showcase their original and personal interpretation of music.

To date, the choir features 28 members: 24 singers (aged 7 to 14), 2 trainers, 1 choir head, and 1 pianist.

In the spirit of Christmas, the Little Paris Singers are performing in a series of concerts in Manila, Bohol and Paoay, back to back with the pride of the Philippines, the equally talented youth of the Loboc Children’s Choir.

Decathlon Philippines partners with the French Embassy for a two-day sports event called, Free to Play: A Sports Festival for All. The event brings together Decathlon’s sports-oriented nonprofit organizations, including Fairplay for All, Life Project 4 Youth, Move for Change, and Spike and Serve Philippines.

The event intends to promote inclusivity among the youth through sport. It will feature several popular games, such as Volleyball, Rugby, and Zumba.

Learn more about Decathlon Philippines by visiting their website at www.decathlon.ph or by following Decathlon Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

CAMELEON Association Inc. and the French Embassy are organizing a 60-minute circus show entitled “Breakthrough: Unfolding stories of hope and transformation”, which will feature the Cirquera de CAMELEON girls with French circus student/artists from ENACR (Ecole Nationale Des Arts Du Cirque De Rosny Sous Bois) and Les Grande Personnes on December 13, 2022 (Tuesday) at Ateneo De Iloilo, Iloilo and December 16-17 (Friday-Saturday) at Makati Ayala Triangle, Makati.

The circus show includes different specialties in aerials (trapeze, hoop, silk & rope), juggling, diabolo, rola bola, contortion, acrobatics and dances.

Moreover, the show is all about how CAMELEON over 25 years and the relationship between France and Philippines for 75 years, have transformed with hope, commitment and strong partnership. With all the enriching stories, it shows how we stand amidst the challenging times to be of service to the Filipinos especially the vulnerable women and children in the community.

A series of meetings and events to promote economic and trade relations between France and the Philippines, such as a French-Filipino Gala Dinner organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines and the Joint Economic Committee meeting and other related meetings between the Philippine business community and France’s MEDEF International.