05 August 2017, Dubai, UAE. Ralph Maligro, a Bohol-native Overseas Filipino based in Ras Al Khaimah, won the Top Prize at Dubai Dubai Musikahan 2 Songwriting Competition held yesterday, 04 August 2017, at the Asiana Hotel in Deira, Dubai. Maligro’s composition titled Kayumanggi will be recorded and published by ABS-CBN’s Star Music. Dubai Dubai Musikahan 2 is a song writing competition organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai led by Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes and the Filipino Ladies of Dubai, a socio-civic organization, chaired by Dr. Yasmin B. Cortes, spouse of the Consul General.

In his Opening Remarks, Consul General Cortes emphasized the need for Overseas Filipinos to celebrate their culture and heritage and explore all avenues for self-expression. He urged the packed crowd of 550 to continue cultivating a deeper sense of Filipino pride as it, in turn, makes other ethnicities believe in the skills and talents of the Filipinos. He reiterated that Dubai Dubai Musikahan would be an effective avenue for Filipinos where they could unleash their creative potential through song writing, music and music production.

Dubai Dubai Musikahan 2, now on its second year, is an annual event of the Filipino Ladies of Dubai, which serves as the Consulate’s arm in its Cultural Diplomacy strategies, programs, and thrusts. Dubai’s top dailies as well as Manila-based media giants ABS CBN and GMA Channels covered the event. END