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Summary Celebrating unity in their diversity, musicians from across Asia and the Middle East transcended the boundaries of language and culture as they played together in the streets of Manila for a four-day International Rondalla festival.
Each country had a chance to showcase their native musical instruments as they played in different venues around Manila. The Indian delegation showcased the Sitar, the Thais displayed the two-stringed Sueng, another variation of an Asian lute made out of hardwood, the Iranian groups pear shaped Tanbours, gave the public a show typically seen in Iranian worship, the Indonesians treated the audience with their skillful manipulation of their Guzheng and the Russians entertained with fanfare music using their Balalaika, a large triangular contrabass with three strings.To appeal to younger generations, whose appreciation of Rondalla is declining, the groups have tried different musical innovations. Rondalla musicians from China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand and host country Philippines joined the festivals.
