INDIA’S GREATEST COLOR FESTIVAL BRINGS FILIPINOS AND INDIANS TOGETHER!
PASAY CITY, Philippines – Last 31 March 2019, Asia Society Philippines, together with SM by the Bay hosted the return of one of India’s most celebrated cultural events, for the 7th year in the row, the Holi Festival 2019. Holi is known as the largest “Festival of Colors” in the world which marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the celebration of joy, freedom, and unity.
This year’s Holi Festival also coincided with Asia Society Philippines 20th Anniversary and the India-Philippine Relations’ 70th Anniversary. To commemorate, a 3-kilometer fun run has been incorporated with prizes for the Top 3 runners provided by PLDT Enterprise. In addition, variety of activities are offered to the festival goers, such as photobooth, Rangoli Making, and Henna Tattoo. There are also the choice of food stalls serving authentic Indian cuisine at the event.
Almost 4000 guests were welcomed by hosts, Roshan Daryani and Karla Habaluyas at the event. Asia Society Philippines’ Chair, Doris Ho, opened the program thanking the sponsors and co-presenters for organizing the Holi Festival 2019. Guests were also welcomed with a few words from DTI’s Usec. Abdul Macatoman. Ambassador Jaideep Mazumdar, from the Embassy of India, also shared a few words talking about the spirit of the Holi Festival, and the cultural and social significance of the event for the local and international community in the Philippines.
There were also cultural performances from Desi Matters, One Two Step, and Movement Dance Studio. In between the sets of the performers, throwing of the colored powders took place, known as the Holi Countdowns, facilitated by hosts Roshan and Karla. The air was filled with mists of the colored powder while the guests danced and cheered, “Happy Holi!” or “Holi Hai!”
Music from DJ Ravinder Singh accompanied the dancing crowd as the guests welcomed the night.
The festival brought together guests from both the local and international communities, who celebrated the Holi Festival as one. At the end, everyone was covered in hues of pink, blue, green, and purple with smiles on their faces.
Holi Festival 2019 is organized by Asia Society Philippines, SM by the Bay, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil.) Inc., the Indian Ladies Club, ZEE Sine, and Thinksports.ph. It is co-presented by Incredible India and PLDT Enterprise. It is sponsored by Western Union and Sun Cruises. It is supported by the New India Assurance Co. Ltd., Flavors by Vana’s, Toyota, Jollibee, and Maynilad. Special thanks to Bench, Ambica International Corporation, Chlorelief, Lubie, and Milcu.
Media partners include ANC, GMA, GMA News Online, NOLISOLI.PH, and WhenInManila.com.