Unearthing the Persian Treasures: The Iranian Cultural Exhibit in Manila

- September 11, 2013, Wednesday.

- Less than 24 hours after my Argentinian night, I attended the oprning of the Iranian cultural week in the Binhi ng Kalayaan garden located right beside the relief map of the Rizal Park. My friend from graduate school informed us about this event, although I did not see updates or news about this event other than the Facebook photo my friend tagged me in. It's safe to say that I was a bit anxious that the event wouldn't push through for whatever reason.

- Since I was a bit vacant today I thought of visiting Luneta just in case the event pushed through. While on the train to Luneta, I saw a big banner about the Iranian cultural week, and I knew I made the right decision of going to Luneta.

- I had a hard time looking for the Binhi ng Kalayaan garden, especially since Google maps misinformed me, but I found it anyway. The location was a small function room, with exhibits on textiles, pottery, musical instruments, books, calligraphy, photography, and carvings. I also appreciated that the exhibit also presented some photos about women empowerment and mobility, and Iran's progress, other than its grand historical background. (After all, Iran created the first world empire, according to one of the tarps there.)

The tarp I mentioned.

Replica of famous stone/wall carvings.

Iranian flag.

- The event was attended by a cozy group of people, some of them Filipinos from the press and other organizations, and with most attendees coming from the cultural section of the Iranian Embassy. Fortunately, I was able to witness the ribbon cutting ceremony that officially marked the opening of the event. By the way, the event will last until the 15th of September (Sunday.)

Tada!!

Traditional instruments with the Iranian flag at the background.

Proudest moment: Took these last 2 photos by myself and my handy bag. Haha.

- I went around and around the exhibit, marveling and taking advantage of chance to behold the tangible pieces of culture that I may not see again, and who knows if or not I would go to Iran some day. Although I am majoring in South Asia (India specifically,) it is always interesting to go out of "my field" and discover the grandeur and treasures of other parts of the world.

Rubbing Elbows with Iranian Diplomats

- July 8, 2013, Monday.

- Today was one of those days that I am EXTREMELY thankful for the invention of the internet, especially Facebook. All this time, I thought that the forum on Iranian public diplomacy, held in the conference room of the UP Asian Center, 10am-12 noon, was supposed to be tomorrow's agenda. While doing my report on my class this morning, I noticed a Facebook reminder of today's forum. Alarmed, I quickly got dressed and left the house.  In a weird twist of events, I got to the event on time, and I was one of the early people there. (I had less than an hour to work with from my house to UP, and my travel time is normally an hour.)

- The event was facilitated by Dr. Henelito Sevilla Jr., the Asian Center's resident faculty who specializes in West Asia, particularly Iran. The guests were none other than the Iranian ambassador himself, His Excellency Ali Asghar Mohammadi, and the main man of the day, His Excellency Ramin Mehmanprasat. H.E. Mehmanprasat is the head of the Center for Public Diplomacy and Media of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and was the former ambassador of Iran to Kazakhstan and Thailand. He is one of the most sought after Iranian diplomats in the field of diplomacy and politics.

- The forum mainly tackled on the role of mass media and culture in the field of diplomacy, concerned that ran bells in my ears; these are some of my interests and concerns on diplomacy. I also realized that Iran, like many countries, is far from what (Western) media portrays it to be. Hon. Mariano Dumia, former ambassador of the Philippines to Iran, also reacted on these, and testified that Iran is one of the most hospitable countries, a progressive one, and a glorious country built on 7000 years of civilization. Aside from these, the forum also mentioned the stagnant foreign relations between the USA and Iran, mainly due to the nuclear weapons, and that Iran is ready to open itself to improving the bilateral relations of both countries, only if the USA will change its attitude towards Iran.

H.E. Ali Asghar Mohammadi, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Philippines.

H.E. Ramin Mehmanprasat, the head of the Center of Public Diplomacy and Media of Iran.

Plaque of Appreciation.

A gift from Iran from the Asian Center.

- I learned many things today, and am inspired to know more about Iran. It will definitely help me with my studies on India, especially since India has had many Persian influences, especially during the Mughal Empire, India's Islamic early modern empire, ruled by Turko-Mongolic people. (It was also the era responsible for the existence of the Taj Mahal.)

My turn!!

And another prized photo.

- Of course, I didn't miss my opportunity of taking photos with both distinguished guests, and today's bonus, I got to have the Iranian ambassador's calling card. Heehee.