In the summer of 2025, three special events drew attention to the diversity of Hungarian culture in the Philippines.
The Hungarian Kodály Society held its traditional annual visit and educational program from June 2 to 13. During this time, music educators and performers from the two countries gathered at the Philippine Women's University in Manila. This year’s guest instructor was Dr. Árpád Tóth, professor at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, who introduced the Kodály Method to Filipino choir directors and music teachers. Participants delved into rhythm training, the importance of movement in sustaining children’s engagement, the timing of introducing and methodology of solmization, as well as numerous other choral techniques developed or refined by Kodály and his followers. The highlight of the event — now in its 25th year — was the closing concert on June 13, where six choirs and nearly 200 singers performed in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the International Kodály Society and the 40th anniversary of the Kodály Society of the Philippines. In her speech, Ambassador Titanilla Tóth emphasized that this year’s program brought the two nations even closer together.
As part of the cultural series, and with the Embassy’s support, the Philippine Rubik's Cube Association’s annual championship was held in Manila from June 20 to 22 with hundreds of participants, honoring one of Hungary’s most iconic inventions: the Rubik’s Cube.
Further enriching the program, renowned cellist Zoltán Onczay performed in several concerts with the Manila Symphony Orchestra. Highlights included A Night in Hollywood concert on June 28. The Hungarian artist also conducted a masterclass on the island of Bohol.
