Art makes neighbors
Art did what treaties can’t: put Malaysia and the Philippines in the same room and made it work.
MALAYSIA and the Philippines turned diplomacy into something people could actually see, touch and argue about.
Photograph courtesy of kedutaan besar malaysia
The Senisikat: Malaysia-Philippines Art Festival recently concluded at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros, marking a successful showcase of cross-cultural collaboration and creative diplomacy between Malaysia and the Philippines.
Organized by the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila in collaboration with Artdialogo Asia, Tourism Malaysia, and the Department of Education, the multi-day festival brought together artists, educators, policymakers, and members of the public in a celebration of shared heritage, creativity, and regional partnership.
Senisikat, derived from seni, the Malay word for art, and sikat, a Filipino term denoting brilliance and recognition, served as a platform to promote mutual understanding and cooperation through the arts.
The festival underscored the importance of inclusive public and cultural diplomacy, highlighting the active role of communities in deepening Malaysia–Philippines bilateral relations.
The festival took place following Malaysia’s completion of its 2025 Asean chairmanship and the formal handover to the Philppines in October.
This transition underscored continued regional cooperation and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to Asean solidarity, a spirit reflected throughout Senisikat’s people-centered initiatives.
The opening ceremony was attended by key Philippine officials and members of the diplomatic community, including Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, and Department of Education Director Atty. Amorsolo Camara Jr., who expressed support for the festival’s goals of cultural exchange and sustainable regional engagement.
One of the festival’s highlights was a fashion presentation featuring works by Malaysian designers Anuar Faizal and Dr. Kenny Loh, alongside Filipino designers Jean Yu Aves and Roald Sena.
The showcase emphasized shared narratives of identity, craftsmanship, and contemporary Southeast Asian design.
Senisikat was anchored on three major components aligned with inclusivity and sustainability: Seniskwela 2025 Manila, a Creative Forum, and Creative Exhibitions. Seniskwela 2025 Manila, held at Lakandula High School in Tondo, engaged students and educators through workshops, mural installations, lectures, and teacher training aimed at empowering youth as cultural ambassadors.