Consul General Arman Talbo (Center) welcomed by Shangri La Museum’s Executive Director Ben Weitz (third from right). They are joined by (left to right) Navid Najafi, Mia Gaspar, Leilani Farinas, Consul Elizabeth Ramos and Jonalyne Malapit.
HONOLULU, 30 July 2026 – As part of the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu’s continuing cultural diplomacy initiatives, Consul General Arman R. Talbo, paid a visit to Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design to explore opportunities for cultural collaboration and strengthen cultural ties between the Philippines and Hawaii.
The Consulate delegation was welcomed by Executive Director Ben Weitz, Leilani Fariñas, Navid Najafi, and Jonalyne Malapit of Shangri La’s Content and Engagement section, who shared the museum’s vision of fostering greater cultural exchange through collaborative programming and community engagement.
The Content and Engagement Section giving a presentation on their in-house artist’s program and other cultural initiatives.
During the meeting, representatives of Shangri La expressed interest in developing a deeper partnership with the Philippine Consulate General on future cultural initiatives that would highlight the Philippines’ rich and diverse cultural heritage. Discussions centered on potential collaborative programs that would foster greater appreciation of Philippine arts and culture while creating meaningful opportunities for engagement with communities across Hawaii.
The Shangri La team also provided an overview of the museum’s public programming, which promotes intercultural dialogue through exhibitions, educational activities, performances, lectures, and community engagement. They likewise discussed opportunities to collaborate with the Consulate on future initiatives consistent with Shangri La’s mission as a center dedicated to the appreciation of Islamic art, cultures, and ideas.
Consul General Talbo welcomed the opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Shangri La, underscoring the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the United States. He noted that partnerships with cultural institutions such as Shangri La provide valuable platforms for showcasing the Philippines’ diverse cultural traditions and promoting greater appreciation of the country’s rich heritage.
Both parties agreed to continue discussions to identify specific areas of collaboration and develop future cultural programs for 2027 that would benefit audiences in Hawaii while further strengthening Philippine-Hawaii cultural relations.
The Philippine Consulate General is committed to advancing cultural diplomacy by working closely with museums, educational institutions, and community organizations to promote Philippine arts, heritage, and cultural exchange. (END)
