It was a 3-in-1 event: a panel discussion, a concert and a food tasting.

The International Relations and Global Affairs (IRGA) Program of Mahidol University International College (MUIC) partnered with the Embassy of Peru in bringing a taste of Peruvian culture to MUIC students.

Ms. Wimonsiri Hemtanon, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, opened the event with her remarks on the vibrancy of the cultures of both Peru and Thailand.

Mr. Christian Oesterheld, Chair of the Social Science Division, served as moderator in a panel discussion that featured H.E. Cecilia Galarreta, Ambassador of Peru to Thailand, Mr. Lenin Tamayo, Peruvian singer and dancer and proponent of Q-Pop, and Ms. Yolanda Pinares, Peruvian folk singer and Mr. Tamayo’s mother.

The panel discussion, entitled, “Peruvian Indigenous Heritage, Popular Culture and Identity Politics,” revolved around the Quechua people, an indigenous group originating in Peru (22% of Peruvians identify as Quechua). The guest speakers described the characteristics of the Quechua people and culture and raised issues including identity politics. Amb. Galarreta noted the declining number of young people who are interested in using the Quecha language partly due to discrimination against this minority group. She said the government can help address this situation by using Quecha language in extending its services to the ethnic group. She also credits Mr. Tamayo for popularizing Quechua language, song and dance through his music which is a fusion of K-Pop and Quechua influences. His mother, Ms. Pinares, on the other hand, shared that through her songs she advocates the empowerment of women in society and the rejection of gender stereotypes.

The second part of the event was the one much anticipated by the audience comprised almost entirely of MUIC students. Mr. Lenin Tamayo impressed the audience with his musical numbers that highlighted the seamless blending of K-Pop influence and the Quechua language (hence, Q-Pop). He also proved to be a lively performer who successfully engaged with the audience despite the language barrier.

The event concluded with the audience having a taste of Peruvian cuisine in a buffet prepared by the Embassy of Peru.