ASEAN Centre in MGIMO-University the MFA of Russia

Центр АСЕАН при МГИМО

Start of a Webinar Series “From Moscow to Manila”

Start of a Webinar Series “From Moscow to Manila”

13.04.2021

On April 13, a webinar series “From Moscow to Manila” started – a joint project between the Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance and the ASEAN Centre dedicated to the 45th anniversary of Russia-Philippines diplomatic relations.

The guest speakers of the 1st webinar “Cultural & People to People Relations” were Ms. Armi Lopez-Garcia, Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation; Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Prima Ballerina, Artistic Director and CEO at the Ballet Manila; Ms. Chiara Mapa, Teacher, at the CREF; and Ms. Nina Prakapovich, Attaché at the Russian Embassy in Manila. The event was moderated by Mr. John Paul Mondejar, lecturer at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Mr. John Paul Mondejar introduced the guest speakers and shared his own experience in studying and working in Russia. Acting Director of the ASEAN Centre, Associate Professor at the Department of Asian and African Studies Dr. Ekaterina Koldunova welcomed the audience and expressed the belief that this series of webinars will provide a good framework for joint discussions and generating new ideas on how to promote further Russia-Philippines relations.

Attaché Ms. Nina Prakapovich shared her experience in studying tagalog language and her memories from student’s internship in the Philippines. She also presented a short historic overview of Russia-Philippines relations and the history of Russian studies on the Philippines. Ms. Chiara Mapa, who has lived in Russia for at least 15 years and teaches at a language school in Moscow, noted those traditions and mindset features of Russians that are similar to the Filipino. Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation Ms. Armi Lopez-Garcia also stressed that Russians and Filipinos have a lot in common and told how her cultural and social events dispelled old stereotypes about Russia. Prima Ballerina Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, a graduate of Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, shared her memories about studying in Russia and explained how school and traditions of Russian ballet influenced her professional career.

The online format made it possible to attend the event for more than 120 people from Russia, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. Among the audience was Mr. Teoh Seng Lee, Honor Consul of Russia in Penang. The next webinar “From Moscow to Manila” is scheduled for June.