Ana Pista, founder and CEO of leading IMC agency Ardent Communications, recently joined the One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum carnival and 5G Live Concert in Hong Kong. Organized by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and presented by Chinachem Group, the event celebrated the universal power of drum beats to connect people across borders while promoting cultural heritage.
Pista noted the event being more than just a celebration but also a blueprint for what the Philippines could achieve, drawing inspiration for reviving Filipino drum traditions and cultural events.
“The drum is more than just an instrument; it’s a heartbeat of culture. I’m impressed with what Hong Kong is doing — promoting culture and the arts beyond their country. There were 30,000 attendees at the event, including foreign guests, and I’m hoping the Philippines can do the same. But such events should be inclusive, catering to all generations.”
Reviving drum traditions: A vision for the Philippines
Inspired by Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural showcase, Pista said she intends to hold events such as the iconic Filipino festivals Sinulog, Kadayawan and Ati-Atihan, which prominently feature drumbeats as the lifeblood of their celebrations.
She hopes public places such as the Luneta Park can be strengthened as a cultural hub, much like in the past when the national government championed arts and culture in the country.
“Drumming has always been deeply rooted in Filipino culture, from indigenous rituals in the Cordilleras to the lively street parades of the Ati-Atihan. Ensuring these traditions remain alive strengthens our identity, caters to younger audiences, and drives tourism and economic growth, maybe even spark another cultural renaissance,” Pista emphasized.
The Hong Kong experience
The One Beat, One World carnival was a masterclass in cultural inclusivity, blending traditional and contemporary elements to engage audiences of all ages. Japan’s tap dance performance, which creatively integrated drum sounds, and India’s Tabla and Dance performance, which blended intricate rhythms with graceful movements, highlighted how cultural heritage can be presented with a twist.
“The event showed that culture doesn’t have to remain static. It can evolve and appeal to younger generations while retaining its roots,” Pista noted.
Other performances in this year’s event also showcased drum and dance troupes from across the globe, including:
- China’s Lanzhou Taiping Drum by the Yonghong Peace Drum Troupe showcasing intangible cultural heritage
- Malaysia’s Orang Orang Drum Theater combining drumming with theatrical storytelling
- Korea’s Bukchum (Drum Dance) by The Little Angels Art Troupe highlighting synchronized artistry
- Hong Kong’s Dragon and Lion Dance Team delivering an electrifying display of local traditions
Interactive workshops and cultural displays also reinforced Hong Kong’s role as a global cultural hub, drawing praise from international participants.
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra conductor Wong Kin-Ping praised Pista’s vision, saying, “Music and rhythm transcend borders. By helping foster cultural events, Ms. Pista is not just preserving traditions but also building bridges that connect communities.”
For her part, Pista believes that revitalizing cultural events in the Philippines could not only preserve traditions but also provide significant economic and tourism benefits. “Imagine Luneta Park filled with the sound of gongs and drums, children trying to learn traditional dances and communities coming together to watch featured performances from the Philharmonic Orchestra. These events could attract both domestic and international tourists, generate jobs, and instill a sense of pride in our cultural identity,” she said.
In the end, the One Beat, One World carnival can serve as a shining example of how culture can be both a unifying force and an economic catalyst. With 30,000 attendees, including foreign tourists, the event demonstrated the potential for large-scale cultural events to boost tourism and foster global connections.
A shared vision for the future
As Pista drums alongside performers in Hong Kong, she is determined to bring the same energy and inclusivity back to the Philippines.
“Cultural events should cater to all generations,” she said. “We need to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, ensuring that our heritage resonates with everyone.”
Her participation in the carnival is a significant first step toward her mission to celebrate and preserve Filipino culture while drawing inspiration from global events. By creating spaces where heritage meets modernity, Pista aims to ensure the rhythm of Filipino culture continues to inspire and unite for generations to come.
