HGME Students Celebrate Filipino Heritage
at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – July 19, 2025
In collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, this unforgettable event brought Grades 7 to 12 learners face-to-face with the soul of Filipino heritage. At the heart of the museum tour was an extraordinary moment: the students stood in awe before Juan Luna’s “Una Bulaqueña,” displayed for the very first time in the Arab world. This iconic painting — a symbol of grace, strength, and national pride — became a powerful centerpiece in a day filled with learning, reflection, and cultural celebration.
The students didn’t stop there. They explored a rare collection of pre-colonial Filipino artifacts — including the Gold Cup and the intricately crafted Funerary Mask — relics that told stories of the Philippines’ ancient artistry, ingenuity, and civilization long before colonization. The tour became a vivid time machine, connecting young minds to the richness of their roots.
“This visit allowed our students to connect deeply with their heritage while gaining global perspective,” said Jona Desierto, HGME’s Marketing and Events Manager. “It’s a powerful reminder that Filipino culture holds a valued place on the world stage.”
The event was part of HGME’s Cultural Experience Program, an initiative rooted in the school’s mission to offer holistic and purpose-driven education. More than a museum trip, it was a celebration of identity, a bridge between nations, and a spark that lit the students’ understanding of their place in both Filipino history and a global society.
This milestone also reflects the enduring partnership between the UAE and the Philippines, and a shared vision of uplifting culture, education, and community among the Filipino diaspora.
As the students left the museum inspired, one thing was clear — this cultural encounter was not just a field trip, but a defining memory that will stay with them for life.