Seniskwela 2024 Goes to Tawi-Tawi: Philippines-Malaysia Arts Collaboration Through Cultural Transformative Power in the Region

Seniskwela 2024 Goes to Tawi-Tawi: Philippines-Malaysia Arts Collaboration Through Cultural Transformative Power in the Region MSU-TCTO hosted the Seni Skwela 2024 and emphasized "Strengthening and Connecting Our Shared Pathways and Goals for the Next Generation Through Arts" on November 17 at the Maas Kamlon Hall. This event celebrated the transformative power of art with a vibrant gathering of almost 200 primary and secondary students from different schools. Representing Chancellor Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Wilham Hailaya, expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian Embassy and Artdialogo Asia for their support. He highlighted Tawi-Tawi's strategic significance as a "front door" instead of the "backdoor" for closer cultural ties between the Philippines and Malaysia, especially Sabah. In a virtual message, the Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia, Her Excellency Maria Angela A. Ponce, underscored the arts' role in strengthening ties between nations. Also, the Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, praised Seni Skwela 2024 as a vital platform for cultural diplomacy. Tuanku Zain Al Abidin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Chairman of IDEAS Malaysia, highlighted art's ability to inspire change. Yuzair Fauzlan from the Selangor Youth Community encouraged students to break barriers through creativity. Finally, Dr. Maliki Rapiee, Executive Director of the International Youth Center, highlighted the importance of arts in fostering ASEAN unity. The Tambuli Cultural Dance Troupe and Gusi Lumba Music Guild showcased traditional dances and songs from the Philippines and Malaysia, enriching the cultural exchange. Ms. Anna Karina Jardin, Founder of Artdialogo Asia, led the Art discussion. She highlighted the value of cross-cultural collaboration in shaping shared futures. Meanwhile, students participated in an interactive workshop. Ms. Micah Hilotin facilitated soil painting, while Ms. Jardin guided mural painting. The participants created a collaborative mural depicting the Sulu Hornbill (Tawsi) and the Rhinoceros Hornbill (Kenyalang) surrounded by Batik, Siyabit, and Tepo motifs, symbolizing unity through art together with Ms. Jardin. Seni Skwela 2024 was orchestrated by the Office of Cultural Affairs and Development (OCAD) in collaboration with the Sama Studies Center (SSC), Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK), Office of International Linkages (OIL), Integrated Center for Extension Services (ICEES), Fisheries Training Center (FTC), University Cafeteria, University Infirmary, Food Innovation Center, the Office of Information, Press, and Publications (OIPP) and WikaSamahan ALAB. Critical partnerships with Artdialogo Asia, the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City, 2GO, Philippine Airlines, and Big Bad Wolf brought the event to life. Big Bad Wolf also donated boxes of books to MSU-TCTO through the OCAD. The Seni Skwela 2024 showcased the unifying power of art in strengthening cultural ties. The University, partners, and the local community witnessed the arts' potential to nurture a brighter and more inclusive future for the next generation in the Philippines and Malaysia. Contributor: Absar S. Aksa (Staff, OCAD) #iLoveMSUTCTO #SmartGreenResilient #CreatingOpportunities #TransformingLives