All roads seemed to lead to Intramuros as not only Synergeia partners and friends flocked to  Clamshell I for the three-day educational fiesta exposition, Tipanan ‘09. From February 20 to 22, a steady stream of school children, college students, teachers, parents, and even tourists and shoppers joined in the festivities and took part in the exciting line-up of Tipanan activities. 

 

In keeping with the theme “Rekindling the Filipino Identity in Our Children,” there were storytelling of Filipino folktales, traditional Pinoy games, balagtasan and bugtungan  contests, and local crafts workshops interspersed with cooking lessons featuring favorite Filipino dishes, and cultural presentations.  The search for a “Synergeia Idol”, and a youth concert for education, drew a huge crowd on day 2, while cultural presentations ruled day 3.

 

The event also showcased the finest from the regions. An exhibit of best practices in education reform, and the best local produce and crafts from different parts of the country was a hit among Tipanan guests.  Tipanan is testament to what synergy can achieve. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, Museo Pambata, Department of Tourism, Pathways to Higher Education, and  several universities joined hands in making Tipanan possible.

 

 

 

 

Big support for Tipanan from partners USAID Office of Education Chief Thomas Crehan, Amon Foundation's Ms. Gianna Montinola, Tatler’s Ms. Irene Martel-Francisco and CCP President Nestor Jardin led the festive opening of Tipanan '09.