There are countries across the world that share many common traits, similar customs and traditions, and comparable cultural aspects. And through cultural exchange, the ties of these countries could further be strengthened. And while this is usually the purview of the different embassies located in the country, there are also private individuals who strive to create a platform that showcases their heritage.
Ravinder “Rav” Singh of Desi Matters Productions is one such individual. Born in the Philippines of Indian parents, Rav created his company originally to cater to Indian expatriates, tourists, and fellow Indians born in the Philippines who sought the culture of their home.
“There were no Indian events happening in the Philippines, and many nationals felt like we were minorities here,” he recalled. “We wanted to show the Filipinos what we have. Through a cultural exchange, we wanted them to enjoy our food, our culture, and our performances. That’s our main vision,” he said.
It has since grown by leaps and bounds with Desi Matters Productions spinning off subsidiaries such as Desi Matters Studio in 2019 and DMS Prime this year. Desi Matters Studio serves as a creative hub dedicated to capturing life’s precious moments through media production, while DMS Prime specializes in organizing corporate events, developing compelling marketing strategies, executing promotional campaigns, and delivering captivating content.
Through these different companies, Rav hopes to show that even if both countries are separated by a significant distance, both cultures have a number of similarities that can become common grounds for better understanding of each other.
“Indian culture is vibrant. It’s colorful. It’s beautiful. We’re known as loud, but we’re also caring, understanding, and very warm, like Filipinos. On the other hand, Filipinos are known in the whole world for their hospitality and Indians are the same,” Rav shared.
Desi Matters Productions celebrated their 10th year anniversary in the business with “Baisakhi Fest 2024” which was organized and coordinated by Beyond Logistics Events. In line with the event, Shroff Travel, one of their sponsors, also celebrated their 30 years in the travel industry. During the event, guests were treated to dance and musical performances by different Indian dance troupes and musicians.
The event was also sponsored by PAGCOR, PRA Philippines, Retirement Authority FICWSI – Filipino Indian Commerce & Welfare Society Inc., Swaadisht Manila, Rich Royal Indian Curry House, Flavours, HME Happy Manila Entertainment, MK Productions, Indian Cultural Association of the Philippines (ICAP), Punjab Indian Grocery, Punjab Appliances Store, The Furr Project Animal Hospital, Ambica, Hilton Manila Beyond Logistics Events and Lulu Money.
With Desi Matters Productions celebrating its 10th year this year, Rav cannot help but look back on the changes in how Indian culture is seen by Filipinos. He noted that there have been significant inroads made through the efforts of both private individuals and the Indian government “It’s getting better. For example, when we look back 10 years ago, no one was eating Indian food, it’s different now. And you know how Indians are looked upon a few years ago. But right now, we’ve managed to overcome that. We wanted to showcase that Indian culture is vibrant and colorful and we believe we were able to do that. It was a joint effort of our whole community with the full support of our respective governments,” Rav said.
