By Ms. Arlene Abital

Port Moresby, PNG, 30 July 2016 -- Don Bosco Technological Institute, Port Moresby celebrated its 5th cultural show on the 30th of July, 2016 in front of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Boroko campus. The biennial event commemorates the Year of Mercy with its theme: “Bungim Pasin Tumbuna Wantaim bel isi” (Uniting Culture with Peace). With more than 800 spoken languages in the country, the 21 provinces’ presentations embody the rich and diverse culture of Papua New Guinea through its colorful traditional bilas, face and body painting, unique songs, dances, artefacts and traditional houses.

The institute’s affair was graced by Ms. Mariana Ellingson, Director General of Tourism, Arts and Culture as the Guest Speaker of the occasion, His Excellency Morio Matsumoto, Japanese Ambassador to PNG together with his wife, H.E. Ronald Yosef Pariaman Maik, Indonesian Ambassador to PNG together with his wife, H.E. Kim Seong-Choon, Korean Ambassador to PNG, H.E. Eberhard Pfeiffer, German Consul General to PNG, H.E. Bruce Davis, Australian High Commissioner, representatives from the Industry, Religious congregations, media, staff, students and other guests.

Ms. Ellingson addressed the large crowd at the event. “PNG’s society is confronted with many tribulations and it is fitting to see unity through cultural presentations. We take pride in the diversity of our culture”, said the Director General of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Fr. Ariel Macatangay, SDB-Principal said that DBTI’s cultural show coincides with the globe’s gathering of young people for World Youth Day in Poland. Both gatherings speak of mercy. The beauty of traditional bilas and singsing (traditional attire and songs) strengthens and unites our culture.

The contestants are vying for the title of Mr. and Ms. Tumbuna Bilas 2016, Mr. and Ms. Friendship, and Mr. and Ms. Charity as well as the Best Tumbuna House and Don Bosco painting. The paired representatives from each province introduce their traditional attire followed by the group’s dance and song for 15 minutes. The panel of judges comprised of Sr. Juliet de Leon, FMA, Fr. Pankaj Xalxo, SDB, Br. Reto Wanner, SDB and Dr. Edgar Agustilo.

The varied and breathtaking routines of the dances typical of each province with the different beats and music, showcase the depth of their culture. Having witnessed the whole program the judges awarded Mr. West New Britain and Ms. Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) as the Mr. and Ms. Tumbuna Bilas 2016 followed by Mr. AROB and Ms. Manus as 1st runner-up and Mr. Madang and Ms. East New Britain as 2nd runner-up. The other winners for the other categories of the contest will be awarded during the Family Day.

A special depth of gratitude goes to Fr. Louie Castaῆeda, SDB, Rector together with his team for the very creative design of the stage, Fr. Clifford Morais, SDB, Treasurer for the refreshments for all the invited guests, Mrs. Dianne Lavi for the over-all organization of Cultural Show 2016 and the Akkordeon Harmonists from Germany for the entertainment during lunch hour. Proceeds of this fundraising project will be directed to support the projects of the school administration.

The event starts the Don Bosco week-long celebration at the institute.

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