This October, the Consulate General of the Philippines and Sentro Rizal Hong Kong commemorate Indigenous Peoples Month, under the theme: “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development.” This annual observance honors the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of indigenous communities to national identity, cultural heritage, and ecological wisdom.

The Consulate General is pleased to present a special cultural lecture and presentation featuring Mr. Carlito Camahalan Amalla, a distinguished Filipino artist, scholar, and cultural advocate from the Agusan Manobo tribe. His work draws deeply from the lifeways, ecological landscapes, and ancestral traditions of his people, offering a powerful lens into indigenous heritage and contemporary expression.

The lecture, entitled “Balangay and Suyam: Vessels of Culture, Textile Heritage”, will be held via Zoom on 27 October 2025, Monday, at 2:00 PM (Hong Kong/Manila Time). It will explore the traditional vessel-making and textile artistry of the Agusan Manobo tribe in Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines. Mr. Amalla uses visual storytelling, indigenous materials, and symbolic motifs to reflect ecological wisdom and cultural resilience in relation to heritage, identity, and sustainability.

In 2024, Mr. Amalla was featured at the Consulate General’s Sining Malaya Freedom Art Corner, marking a historic milestone as the first indigenous Filipino artist to be showcased therein. His contemporary Manobo artworks captivated audiences with their vibrant storytelling and deep cultural resonance, affirming his role as a leading voice in indigenous artistic expression.

To secure your spot for this special lecture, please register via the following link: https://forms.gle/EjybsCstDYRxVHtc8. Kindly note that slots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further coordination or inquiries, please reach out to Ms. Donna Siongco, Cultural Attaché, at cultural.pcg@gmail.com.