The Liceo Civic Center transformed into a hub of multicultural facets during the celebration of Panagdait 2024, organized by the Tourism and Hospitality Management Department and the Junior Tourism and Hospitality Management Association of the Philippines (JTHMAP) of Liceo De Cagayan University, wherein various Southeast Asian cultures were showcased through their aspects such as food, music, and dances.
The two-day event involved local entities and partner organizations, including support from the Department of Tourism and other relevant associations hailing from Cagayan De Oro City and the surrounding provinces. The event dazzled its participants as booths representing ASEAN filled the halls of the Civic Center, each with its own twist and flair reminiscent of the represented cultures.
It became a treasure trove of unique experiences, from delectable Cambodian Noum Kong donuts to the flavorful Nasi Katok of Brunei, as well as eccentric presentations of Vietnamese fan dances and the Fon lep fingernail dances of Thailand. However, these were only a part of the larger celebration involving everything from cooking competitions to the amazing expressions of art through the use of coffee.
The event truly showcases the diversity of our region in ways that we can easily connect to, and it serves as a reminder that an understanding of this diversity allows us to better savor what our sister cultures have to offer.
Words by Leander Palalon
Photos by Alyssa Polvorosa, Althea Dayata, Rey Tresmaria, & Samantha Grace Pahuyo
