DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                            2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines
SFA-AGR-691-05                            28 September 2005

FILIPINO DANCE GROUP PERFORMS AT THE 8th BEIJING INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FESTIVAL

28 September 2005 – The Philippine Embassy in Beijing reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company rendered a well-applauded performance with their skillful stilt-walking dance to the delight of thousand of spectators in the annual marching parade of the 8th Beijing International Tourism Festival that opened on 24 September 2005.

"The Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company’s performance was a unique opportunity to display Filipino talent to the people of China," Ambassador Willy Gaa said.

Over 20 countries participated in the cultural parade, which marks the golden week celebration on 01 October 2005. Some countries performed traditional dances, played band music and displayed decorative floats. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Tourism, the People’s Government of Beijing Chaoyang District and Beijing Tourism organized the event to promote the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as greater understanding between the Chinese people and other countries of the world.

The Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company is composed of students who were particularly invited to participate in the parade because of their renowned stilt-walking dance skills. The group, which was founded in 1961, is acclaimed internationally for its unique and outstanding performances. It has been actively representing the country in international folklore festivals as the country’s official cultural ambassadors.