Taguig, Philippines — As part of the 60th anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia plus coinciding with National Heritage Month, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia, successfully inaugurated Sentro Rizal Kuala Lumpur on May 31, 2024.

Sentro Rizal was envisioned by the NCCA, with mission to engage more overseas Filipinos and foreign nationals in its cultural programs, while instilling a strong sense of nationhood and pride among them in being Filipinos.

This event is a significant milestone in Philippine cultural diplomacy.

Sentro Rizal Kuala Lumpur is the 38th Philippine cultural center globally and the 10th in the ASEAN region, bringing Filipino culture closer to the diaspora and friends around the world. The event was also to celebrate its 13th founding anniversary in June.

Josh Cullen Santos of sensational P-Pop boy band SB19 and NCCA Youth ambassador, was also named as the ambassador of Sentro Rizal.

The young singer headed the cultural activities at the event including a book reading session. Josh read Adarna House’s “Iba’t Ibang Lasa” and “Haluhalo Espesyal” to Filipino-Malaysian children.

The interactive session is meant to share the ideas and experiences of Filipino-Malaysian children. For many, the gathering was more than just a book reading. It was a celebration of cultural heritage, identity, and an opportunity to rediscover and embrace their Filipino heritage.
“Iba’t Ibang Lasa” which was beautifully illustrated by Issa Somera, explores the diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine and invites readers to ponder their associations with saltiness, sweetness, and bitterness.
The second book “Haluhalo Espesyal” tells the heartwarming story of Jackie, a young girl who gets sick and is nursed back to health by the delicious food from her Lola Itang’s kitchen. The book features Filipino delicacies that we all love, showcasing the richness of Filipino culture and traditions.
Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo highlighted the importance of youth in promoting Philippine culture and the role of Sentro Rizal in empowering young Filipinos through the arts.

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, such as Honorable Celia Anna M. Feria, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Cultural Diplomacy; Datuk Prof. Dr. Mohd Faiz Abdullah, Chairperson of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia; and Hon. Dato Akmal Che Mutafa, Undersecretary for Southeast Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and NCCA Youth.

There was also a performance by Filipino-Malaysian artist Yasmin Aziz, followed by a cooking demonstration and lecture on Filipino Muslim cuisine by Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun, who prepared palapa and sangkerat.

Ambassador Ponce, the first woman ambassador of the Philippines to Malaysia, mentioned that the Sentro Rizal in Kuala Lumpur completes the network of Sentros Rizal in ASEAN capital cities.