Viva Europa 2022 was designed under the slogan ‘Sama-Sama Together!’ and highlighted the Philippines’ importance as a cultural partner of the EU. Reaching over 260 000 viewers across social media channels, it is hoped that the relationships forged through art will strengthen intercultural relationships and foster peace between regions.

Throughout the month of May, the EU Delegation to the Philippines (EUD) hosted a series of events facilitating cultural diversity and exchange. A festival held annually since 2010, Viva Europa showcases heritage with live music, poetry, and film, while uniting Europeans and Filipinos with a shared love for the arts.

A special lights display launched Viva Europa 2022 on 8 May. Blue and yellow illuminated the De La Salle University facade, Rizal Monument and Musical Dancing Fountain at Rizal Park in Manila to symbolise the long-standing relationship shared by the EU and the Philippines.

Spain and Italy hosted independent events throughout the month, including a flute concert, architecture webinar, and film screening. France's ‘The Night of Ideas’, brought French, Italian, Romanian, and Philippine cultural institutions together in a dialogue about how art, cinema, and society persisted throughout the pandemic.

Other events celebrating years of vibrant partnership brought participants together based on a shared passion for literary art. The Bersong Europinoy Poetry Festival was hosted virtually on 27 May, with EU representatives and renowned award-winning poets reciting pieces with an underlying theme of togetherness. A recording remains available for public viewing on the EUD’s Facebook page.

On 28 May, the Musica FEUROPA Choral Festival was hosted virtually in partnership with Far Eastern University for the 13th year, emphasising Europe’s and the Philippines’ shared cultural values. The prestigious choral competition has come a long way from a small local event, and it is now a leading platform for talented Philippine choral groups to showcase their vocal prowess. A recording of the event remains available for public viewing on Musica EUropa’s Facebook page.

Viva Europa 2022 drew to a close with the ending of a EuroArt Exhibition titled Ebb and Flow: A Return to Nature. Incredible marine-inspired pieces were showcased by renowned European and Philippine artists throughout the month of May, inviting viewers to meditate upon water’s importance to life and the shared responsibility to protect this global resource in the face of issues such as marine pollution.

The festival drew the attention of leading media platforms, including CNN, Philstar and Tatler.