Event Highlights

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, as the opening ceremony keynote speaker, emphasized the achievements of the Philippines in Intellectual Property practice with respect to the contributions of the country in the IP filings statistics

The APAA 2024 Manila opening ceremony featured Filipino culture and hospitality through the performance of various renowned Filipino artists, including the masters of shadowplay, El Gamma Penumbra, the ‘world-belter’, Rachel Gabreza, and the World Dance League International First Placer, Nocturnal Dance Company.

The event was formally opened with the Philippine National Anthem led by UP Rayadillo, composed of the members of the elite guard of the University of the Philippines.

The opening ceremony officially started with an entertaining and nationalistic performance from El Gamma Penumbra. The master of shadow play showcased the Philippines’ diverse, multicultural heritage and picturesque natural wonders, in sync with the tune of the Philippine tourism song — “Piliin mo ang Pilipinas” which is in line with the event’s theme of “love the Philippines”.

Rachel Gabreza serenaded the crowd by singing Michael Bolton’s ‘Go the Distance’, a classic and her go-to piece in her competitions. Her angelic yet fierce voice went beyond cultural diversity, making her acclaimed and loved, by local or international audiences alike.

The Nocturnal Dance Company capped the opening ceremony by delivering an energetic and electrifying performance featuring traditional Filipino outfit while dancing to the tune of modern Filipino hip hop and rap songs.