The preservation and restoration of Philippine Arts and Culture are not just significant causes, but also urgent responsibilities for Filipino artists and nationalists. Our cultural identity is at risk as we gradually adopt a Western lifestyle. Our entertainment, from music to dances, is becoming Westernized, leading to a loss of our Filipino heart. It's crucial to act now, before our identity fades into history.
The Pasinaya Festival 2017, the largest multi-arts festival, has been a beacon of hope in our mission to regain Filipino arts and culture in all genres. Over the years, it has not just attracted followers and viewers, but also successfully showcased the beauty of our culture. Through this initiative, we are reviving the glory days of the past in our modern time. It brings a sense of pride and hope, and even a past life regression to some extent. It's a vivid imagination of the refined and beautiful days of the past.
This year's theme is about bringing peace through arts and culture. Filipinos pull the strings that connect us as one nation when we have national peace issues due to political and cultural divisions and beliefs. Our dear brothers, who may have different philosophical and political views, may have caused damage to our cultural identity as they may not have helped our government preserve culture and arts. We have been divided through the years and struggle to fight for a peaceful nation of firm yet gentle people. This year's theme, "Arts for Peace, " symbolizes unity through diversity. We may have different voices, faiths, and religions, yet we can become one nation through arts and culture. Filipino artists and viewers from around the country and worldwide convene together to witness and celebrate our national identity. We are Filipino and proud to say I Am Filipino in words, deeds, and thoughts.
The Pasinaya 2013 was a previous experience in which Filipino-Chinese culture was embraced. It taught us that we can live in harmony and camaraderie by sharing our culture, no matter how different. We can appreciate and embrace it as part of our culture and tradition. This year, 2017, is no different from previous Pasinaya events. The message is always clear: We can not move forward if we fail to deeply understand our national identity through arts, culture, and heritage. This understanding is not just essential but also enlightening and inspiring.
I advocate for our country's arts, Culture, and heritage preservation, and we deserve a national identity that is truly Filipino. Remember our culture and heritage as we work together for peace and progress. This will be passed on to the next generation of heroic Filipinos. The future generation is braver and more decisive. A citizen who will continue to raise the voice to the world that we are One Filipino-- today and forever.
© 2017 Del Cusay