04/22/2009 | 12:07 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Hangzhou City in China is now the venue of this year's Philippine Culture Week that started on April 12, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said late Tuesday.
The DFA website (www.dfa.gov.ph) said the 2009 Philippine Culture Week features the exhibit “Experience Philippines @ Hangzhou" from April 12 to 30 at the Hangzhou West Lake Expo Museum.
"It will also show performances of the world-renowned, Philippine Banda Kawayan (Bamboo Orchestra), at the Yongjing Park," the DFA said.
“Experience Philippines @ Hangzhou" showcases the people, culture, history and tourism destinations of the Philippines.
The exhibit features a children’s corner where kids and kids-at-heart can try out Philippine games. Costumes from various parts of the Philippines are also in display for visitors to try out.
Also, the celebration features the photo exhibit “Ties that Bind" which chronicles Philippines-China relations from early contacts to the present.
The exhibit coincides with the 34th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations.
Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez said the 2009 Philippine Culture Week was made possible through the Cooperation Agreement between the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai and Office of the Organizing Committee of Hangzhou West Lake International Expo on Dec. 13 last year.
Signing the landmark cooperation agreement were Consul General Sanchez and Chairman Ye Min, and witnessed by Philippine Minister of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo and Hangzhou Mayor Cai Qi.
Sponsors of the 2009 Philippine Culture Week include the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai and the Office of the Organizing Committee of Hangzhou West Lake International Expo and supported by the Hangzhou Westlake Scenic Spots Administration Office and the Foreign Affairs Office of Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government. - GMANews.TV