【Highlight】International Culture Day
2020 NTOU Culture Day : A Showcase of International Food and Traditions
The Office of International Affairs, in collaboration with the International Student Association of the National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU), held and sponsored its yearly celebrated cultural show last November 20, 2020, at the NTOU Exhibition Hall. The said event was participated by international students representing different countries all over the world. Aside from enriching the students’ academic experience, this yearly event encourages international students for cross-cultural opportunities to exhibit, celebrate and showcase their unique perspective of their cultural heritage and traditions to both the local and the international community. This event also promotes and supports cultural diversity and intercultural sensitivity as a part of the NTOU academic culture.
The event started with the much-awaited and anticipated food fair as international students prepared and showcased their country’s traditional and famous foods and beverages. Visitors and guests were encouraged to visit and taste the food displays in each country with their assigned booth. The international students also wore their respective traditional clothing or costumes during the event. The highlight of the year’s cultural event is the presentation made by international students about their respective countries in terms of cultures and traditions. Presentations made were from Australia (Seton), Belize (Solange), China, Fiji (Mila), India (Jiji), Malaysia (Naimull), Philippines (Naomi), Thailand (Ta Aon) and Vietnam (Nguyen).
This year, the Philippines and Indonesia showcased their respective dance numbers representing their own culture and tradition. Students from the Philippines presented a modern dance number, a reflection of Filipinos being proud of their diverse yet unique cultural heritage and customs. The Philippines students also showcased their traditional costumes through a fashion show, and each student wore traditional clothing for both men and women.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian dance number represents Jakarta’s culture using the Ondel-Ondel icon, a large puppet figure. The dance is performed during festivals to welcome or honor guests where people celebrate and manifest extreme happiness. They also rendered a local traditional Indonesian song representing six local languages with their respective local culture.
At the end of the presentation and performances, the school officials, students, and visitors voted for the best performance act. The Philippines got 1st place and followed by Indonesia for 2nd place. The event was concluded as the students, invited friends, and visitors from the different universities in Taiwan joined the lunch buffet at the 1st Restaurant on the campus.