Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it.
Now I understand 
why the old poets of China went so far
and high 
into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.
"The Old Poets of China" by Mary Oliver

The Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman, in cooperation of the Indian Embassy in the Philippines and the New Era University's Foreign Service Department, will be holding Utsav: A Festival of India, an event that showcases various aspects of Indian culture and society, from dance traditions, culinary delicacies to music and Bollywood. The event is free and open to the public.
 
Below is the tentative schedule.
  • 0900-09:30: Registration  
  • 0930-0940: Indian and Philippine National Anthems
  • 0940-0950: Opening Remarks-Chancellor Michael L. Tan, UP Diliman
  • 0950-1005: Keynote Speech, Ambassador L.D. Ralte
  • 1005-1010: Dean’s Remarks, Dr. Joefe B. Santarita, Asian Center
  • 1015-1020: Performance of Indian  Semiclassical Bhajan, Ms. Roma Pradan
  • 1025-1030: Introduction to Indian Classical Carnatic Music, Ms. Mythili Balasubramanium
  • 1035-1045: Indian  Classical Dance-Bharathnatyam (TBC)
The Indian Classical Dance presentation marks the official close of the opening ceremony with Dr. Henelito Sevilla, Jr. as Master of Ceremony. 
  • 1045-1100: Raffle for 50 Incredible India T-Shirts
  • 1100-1145: Yoga demonstration, Art of Living
  • 1145-1215: Meditation, Brahmakumaris
  • 1215-1300: Lunch (packed vegetarian lunch; limited supplies only)
  • 1300-1600: Cultural Performance
  • 1300-1400: Bollywood dance workshop, Indian  Music Workshop. Bhangra dance workshop
  • 1300-1600: Free Mendhi (Henna Tattoing)
  • 1300-1600: Photo booth with Taj Mahal as the backdrop and other Indian cultural icons
  • 1400-1500: Bollywood songs
  • 1500-1530: Bollywood dance
  • 1530-1600: Indian DJ
  • 1600-1700: Indian tea with snacks   
  • 1600-1610: Brief introduction of the Film, Three Idiots, Dr. Suresh Kumar, First Secretary
  • 1610-1850: Bollywood Film Screening, Three Idiots (2009)

Fill out this Google Form to let us know you're coming.

Please note that the UP Asian Center does not take reservations for free and public events; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For other inquiries, please contact the Information Office: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


Seating for all events are open to the public and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. And while no reservations are accepted, the organizers would appreciate expressions of intent to come via this Google Form
The Asian Center offers M.A. degrees in Asian Studies with four fields of specialization: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. The Center also has an M.A. program in Philippine Studies that allows students to major in Philippine society and culture, Philippine foreign relations, or Philippine development studies. The Center offers a Ph.D. program in Philippine Studies in conjunction with the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. For an overview of these graduate programs, click hereThe Asian Center also publishes Asian Studies: Journal of Critical Perspectives on Asia, the latest issue of which can be downloaded at the journal's websiteView recent and upcoming Lectures & Conferences and read other News & Announcements. Join our mailing list to receive invitations to lectures, conferences, etc.