Artist Adrian Aleluya with participants of the Basic Drawing Workshop. Pic: Rommel Lopena
Doha, Qatar: A showcase of Philippine culture was presented on Friday, July 26, at Bait Al Sulaiti as part of ‘Cultural Diversity in Community’ programme, organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Filipino community group KulinaryaQatar.
Director of the Department of Culture and Arts at the Ministry of Culture Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Dulaimi and Ambassador of Philippines to Qatar H E Lillibeth V Pono graced the event alongside other officials and guests. Attendees enjoyed a diverse display of Filipino arts and crafts, music, dance, fashion, and food, celebrating the cultural diversity and artistic expression within the community.
Philippine Ambassador to Qatar H E Lillibeth V Pono (4th right) along with other embassy officials and members of the Filipino Arts Society during the event.
The event featured a free drawing workshop, live painting session, and artwork display hosted by a group of Doha-based artists from the Filipino Arts Society.
The basic drawing workshop was led by watercolour artist Adrian Aleluya. His session, aimed at children aged 8 to 15, covered the basics of art, such as lines, shapes, forms, values, and texture.
Aleluya was supported by a talented team of artists, each bringing their unique skills to the workshop. The team included Arsenio Jr. Nidoy, known for his scribbling art; Rommel Lopena, an abstract expressionist; Eugene Espinosa, an impressionist; and contemporary artists Wilma Frias-Lazaro and Alice Deleonio. Together, they ensured the children received thorough guidance and inspiration.
“The workshop was so much fun! I learned how to draw better and use different techniques,” said nine-year-old participant Mary Cassie Sison. “The artists were really nice and helped me a lot,” she told The Peninsula.
“I loved learning about shapes and textures,” added 10-year-old Izzat Jamai Chbirou. “It was exciting to see how different artists create their work. I want to practice more and become as good as them someday.”
After the workshop, artists demonstrated their skills in a live painting session, creating still life and figure paintings.
“The Filipino Arts Society is deeply grateful to KulinaryaQatar and the Ministry of Culture for the opportunity to hold these enriching activities. The event showcased Filipino talent and provided a platform for cultural exchange and artistic development,” said Arsenio Jr Nidoy, the Workshops & Education Officer of the Filipino Arts Society.
“The event’s success highlights the importance of promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. The dedication of the artists and support from cultural institutions foster a more inclusive and vibrant community, Program Head Rommel Lopena told The Peninsula.
“The Ministry of Culture, KulinaryaQatar, and the Filipino Arts Society have shown how art can bridge cultures and bring people together,” he added.
