Pasinaya: Celebration of Filipino culture, unity in Amman

Held at the Zghairon Café, the event marked the first time this cultural festival, which has reached international shores, was held in Jordan, coinciding with Valentine’s Day and National Arts Month. 

Pasinaya, which translates to “sharing” or “offering,” is the Philippines’ largest annual multi-arts celebration, now in its 19th year. The festival embodies the Filipino spirit of inclusivity, community, and artistic expression. 

“Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a time to express love and appreciation, reminding us of the many forms of love – friendship, family bonds, and the shared connection that brings people together," said Wilfredo C. Santos, Ambassador of the Philippines to Jordan

"It is especially meaningful that we celebrate this occasion alongside Pasinaya, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Filipino art, music, dance, and traditions. This gathering is not just a celebration of love and culture, but a heartfelt acknowledgement of the beauty that arises when we unite through the arts, creating lasting memories and forging bonds that enrich our communities,” the ambassador added. 

The event featured a "captivating" mix of performances, activities, and workshops, ensuring an immersive experience for the attendees, both locals and members of the Filipino community in Jordan. 

Key highlights included Pamilihan (Bazaar), a marketplace where local Filipino entrepreneurs showcased an array of food and crafts, offering guests a taste of Filipino cuisine and traditional goods, Palihan (Workshop), a traditional folk dance workshop featuring Madal Siwol, a cultural performance from the T’boli tribe of South Cotabato. 

Attendees also participated in a creative “Paint the Wall by Numbers” art activity, contributing to the creation of a Philippine Embassy corner at Zghairon Café. There was also Palabas (performance), more than 15 live performances including dance and acoustic music from various Filipino communities across Jordan. 

“This Pasinaya in Jordan is one of the cultural activities being undertaken by the Filipino embassy in Amman, to display our culture in this part of the world. Culture is very important to us, as one of our main diplomatic initiatives in Jordan," Santos told The Jordan Times. 

"For us, it is important for Jordanians to learn about our language, our food, our cultural practices, because in doing so, it will lead to a better understanding and appreciation of our people,” the ambassador noted, adding that “Pasinaya in Jordan is just the beginning.”

The festival’s "success" reflects the deep desire for cultural exchange and mutual respect between Jordanians and the Filipino community. By offering a platform for Filipinos to showcase their culinary skills, dance, and crafts, Pasinaya also helped bridge the cultural gap, fostering inclusivity and understanding. 

“This event is very important to connect our cultures,” Asem Khatib, owner of the Language City Café, told the Jordan Times. “Our motto at the Language City Group is ‘From the People to the People’ and the Filipino people are part of our Jordanian community.”

“We are welcoming all countries to display their culture because our space is for all the cultures in the world, mixing and sharing Jordanian culture with all the others. For example, this Pasinaya concluded with Jordanian and Palestinian dabke,” added Asem. 

For the people of Amman, the Pasinaya festival was not just a celebration of Filipino culture, it was an invitation to share, connect, and deepen relationships, reminding everyone that art, love, and shared experiences have the power to unite us all.