The Philippines was featured in the recent 58th Annual International Ball of the International Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The Philippine Consulate reported the ball, “Sights and Sounds of the Philippines” was held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles May 16.

In its report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the consulate said the ball is held to help support the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and to honor the Chefs de Poste of the Los Angeles Consular Corps and their spouses.

“As its custom, the International Committee features a country to provide an understanding and appreciation of the cultural wealth that the chosen country has to offer. This year, the Philippines had that distinct honor of showcasing its fascinating culture, many treasures and artistic traditions,” the DFA said on its website (www.dfa.gov.ph).

The cultural presentation featured excerpts from Dr. Ramon Geluz’s first Filipino opera “Karim at Jasmin.”

The Gala event was made possible with the support of the Philippine Departments of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Philippine Airlines and the Filipino American Community of Southern California.