CULTURAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
A kaleidoscope of activities and events pervade the span of the PIA’s five decades
Socio-cultural events like Italian language courses, art exhibitions, bazaars, fashion shows, film showings, cooking demonstrations, dramatic events, and musical presentations such as recitals and concerts performed by distinguished Italian and Filipino personages, have dotted PIA’s history. A precious library houses a collection of books and periodicals on Italian literature, history, art and music and other valuable basic reference materials, and is open to the public.
Through the Association’s recommendations, initiatives have been taken by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Government in the granting of scholarships to Filipino students of music, fine arts, agriculture, book restoration, science, architecture, and economics in the past. Study visits of Filipino painters, artists, and others were also whole-heartedly sponsored. Visits of prominent Italian government officials and business personalities are always encouraged.
PARLI ITALIANO - ITALIAN LANGUAGE WORKSHOP
NOVEMBER 5, 2025
“Parli italiano?: Italian Language Workshop” was held on November 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at A1403. Students got a taste of la dolce lingua of Italy in this interactive workshop and discovered how learning Italian can open doors to global careers, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
THE CULTURAL TRAIT OF ITALIAN GESTURES
OCTOBER 28, 2025
Ever wondered how Italians say so much without saying a word?
Participants joined Professor Dott.ssa Claudia Del Punta in a fun and hands-on workshop all about Italian gestures.
ITALIAN CAREER DAY
OCTOBER 17, 2025
On October 17, the UP Diliman Department of European Languages held an Italian Career Day presented by the Italian Embassy in Manila in partnership with the Italian Section.
Speakers from different industries shared their experiences and new opportunities for those interested in a career related to Italian or Italy. Attendees were also welcome to ask questions and participate in an open forum and Q&A.
This event was part of a series of events celebrating the Italian Language Week with the theme "Italofonia: Lingua oltre confini" or "Italian Beyond Borders: A Language without Boundaries." As a home for Italian speakers and students outside of Italy, the Italian section opened its doors to celebrate the Italian language in the Philippines.
FILIPINO ITALIAN CHAMBER MUSIC
OCTOBER 16, 2025
On October 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Asia Pacific College Theatre, Makati City, the Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert was held, presented by the Philippine-Italian Association under the auspices of the Embassy of Italy in the Philippines and Joel's Place.
Performed by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, this one-of-a-kind evening celebrated transnational friendship, culture, and timeless music.
SPEAK DATING 2025
SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
An event where you can practice new languages, meet people from diverse cultures, and make new connections. Speak-Dating introduced its guests to the languages and cultures of Europe in short, engaging sessions. The best part? Admission is FREE!
SCUOLA DEL SABATO
SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
The Philippine-Italian Association, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in the Philippines, Società Dante Alighieri Manila, and The Laren School, launched SCUOLA DEL SABATO—our Italian language and culture program especially designed for children!
CINE EUROPA 28 FILM FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 12 - 17, 2025
Cine Europa 28 Film Festival welcomed Italy with the screening of “Chiara Lubich” last September 13 at Shangri-La Plaza. The Philippine Italian Association enjoyed seeing this inspiring Italian film on the big screen, a film that brought Italy closer to home.
SAPORI D’ ITALIA WITH CHEF LEONARDO MAGGI
SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
The Philippine-Italian Association held the Sapori D’Italia even on September 5, at Joel’s Place, Glorietta 4, from 7 PM to 10 PM for an Italian cuisine-filled night with food served by Chef Leonardo Maggi. Guests expected an exclusive four-course dinner with wine pairings.
INTERNATIONAL SILENT FILM FESTIVAL MANILA 2025
JULY 11 to 13, 2025
After 3 years, the International Silent Film Festival Manila returns once again, making silent films heard by original scores of local musicians.
The festival was proudly presented by the Embassy of Austria, Embassy of Italy, Embassy of Spain, Japan Foundation Manila, Instituto Cervantes Manila, Goethe-Institut Philippinen, and the Philippine Italian Association, with the support of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, in partnership with Shangri-La Plaza and Red Carpet Cinemas.
On July 13, the Embassy of Italy and the Philippine Italian Association showcased the 1925 silent classic "Fra Diavolo" (The Devil’s Brother), a bold and stirring tale of patriotism set during the Napoleonic occupation of 19th-century Italy. The timeless film captivated audiences with its blend of adventure, drama, and historical depth.
CUCINIAMO ITALIANO: BRINGING REAL ITALIAN FOOD SKILLS TO YOUR HOME - DAY 3
JULY 5, 2025
As the Philippine Italian Association and Chef Leonardo Maggi wrapped up the 3-day session of Cuciniamo Italiano, the students prepared and cooked Canederli Al Burro, Bucatini All’Amatriciana, and Ciambellone with Nutella! The class was held at The Cookery Place, BGC.
CUCINIAMO ITALIANO: BRINGING REAL ITALIAN FOOD SKILLS TO YOUR HOME - DAY 2
JUNE 28, 2025
Our Italian kitchen came back alive on its second day, as participants rolled up their sleeves and dove into an unforgettable hands-on cooking experience. Together with Chef Leonardo Maggi, the students mastered the bold flavors of Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, made pasta from scratch for Tagliatelle with meatballs, and ended on a sweet note with a Crema Pasticcera featuring a delightful Filipino twist. It was a true celebration of culinary passion and cultural fusion!
CUCINIAMO ITALIANO: BRINGING REAL ITALIAN FOOD SKILLS TO YOUR HOME - DAY 1
JUNE 14, 2025
The Philippine-Italian Association organized its first pilot cooking class and demonstration with Chef Leonardo Maggi, our chef. Students learned how to prepare and cook classic Italian dishes such as Authentic Carbonara, Torta Salata Patate e Salsiccia, and classic Italian Tiramisu! The class was held at The Cookery Place, BGC!
ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2025
JUNE 06 to 07, 2025
The Embassy of Italy in Manila, together with the Philippine-Italian Association and the Società Dante Alighieri - Manila, organized the Italian Film Festival in partnership with SM Aura Premier, Vespa, MotoItalia, MINT College, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines at SM Aura Premier. The festival showcased artworks of MINT College’s students, three Italian Films: Enrico Piaggio: Vespa, Quasi Orfano, and Momenti di Trascurabile Felicita, together with an exhibition of Vespa units!
TIMELESS TUESDAYS: ITALIA IN PELLICOLA
MAY 06, 2025
The Philippine-Italian Association, in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas - Office of Public Affairs and the Department of Modern Languages, organized Italia in Pellicola, an Italian Film exhibit that showcased modern and classic films enjoyed by the Thomasian population! The exhibit screened films such as Disney’s LUCA, Roberto Benigni’s PINOCCHIO, and La Vita è Bella or Life is Beautiful at the UST Central Laboratory Auditorium.
COSMIC JOURNEYS: CELEBRATING PHILIPPINES AND ITALY IN SPACE!
APRIL 23, 2025
The Embassy of Italy in Manila invited the Philippine-Italian Association to attend COSMIC JOURNEYS, an event hosted and organized by the Philippine Space Agency and the University of the Philippines - National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development at the University of the Philippines - Diliman!
DEL-DALAN 2025: DANTEDÌ - WHY DOES DANTE CONTINUE TO BE PRESENT IN CONTEMPORARY POPULAR CULTURE
MARCH 28, 2025
Take a look at how the Philippine-Italian Association and Società Dante Alighieri Manila, in collaboration with the UPD Department of European Languages and UP Piccola Italia, celebrated another day of Dantedì on March 28, 2025!
TIMELESS TUESDAY: DANTEDÌ - A JOURNEY FROM CLASSICS TO POPCULTURE
In honor of the life and works of the Italian writer and poet, Dante Alighieri, the Philippine-Italian Association and Società Dante Alighieri Manila, in partnership with the UST Department of Modern Languages and the UST Office of Public Affairs, celebrated Dantedì through a seminar that sparked meaningful discussions and deepened insights into the enduring relevance of Dante’s literary legacy, his influence on modern literature, and the lasting impact of The Divine Comedy on pop culture.
MARCH 25, 2025
LA VITA È BELLA
FEBRUARY 26, 2025
On February 26, the Philippine-Italian Association visited De La Salle University - Manila for the screening of Roberto Benigni’s La Vita è Bella.