I congratulate the Bayanihan as they celebrate their new season production at the Cultural Center of the Philippines entitled Mestizaje, Cross Cultural Expressions of Sounds, Colors & Movements.

The Bayanihan has been one of the most effective and prolific messengers of Philippine culture to the rest of the world, having performed in hundreds of cities and reaped numerous awards in the process. While showcasing the beauty of dance, music and culture of the Philippines, Bayanihan has done the country proud in highlighting Filipino world-class talent.

At the same time, Bayanihan allows us to build bridges with other countries, where our dancers perform with various performers from all over the world in a spirit of kinship and camaraderie. And tonight, I am proud to see that we are building once more strong bridges and ties of friendship with our friends from Spain.

I welcome the guest performing artists from Escola de Musica I danses de Mallorca, and congratulate the Bayanihan for their exceptional performance onstage and as our Philippine ambassador of culture and goodwill.

Thank you.