Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Elena P. Algabre presents a copy of a book on Balangays, ancient Philippine boats,  to  Mayor Ahmet Aras of Bodrum, Turkey (Embassy photo)

BODRUM 21 September 2021 –    “For both the Philippines and Bodrum, the sea is integral to our respective identities, heritage, traditions,  and ways of living,” remarked Philippine Ambassador to Turkey, Maria Elena P. Algabre,  in her  meeting  with the Mayor of Bodrum, Mr. Ahmet Aras,  on 20 September 2021.

Ambassador Algabre congratulated Mayor Aras for Bodrum being selected by Time Magazine as one of the “World’s Greatest Places” and by the Travel+Leisure 2021 World’s Best Awards for being among the “The  25 Best Cities in the World”.  The climate, the sea,  maritime history  and modern nightlife have made Bodrum a favorite  tourist destination in Turkey.  Bodrum is also renowned for  hosting  artists, poets and singers.     

Citing the more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines  offering beautiful sceneries, beaches consistently ranked among the best in the world, and extensive  marine resources, as well as the country’s equally rich maritime tradition,   Ambassador Algabre discussed with Mayor Aras possible cooperation in tourism,  culture and people-to-people exchanges. She also gladly informed the Mayor that a number of stores in Bodrum’s Bazaar sell shell decorative products from the Philippines.  There is a Filipino quartet that regularly makes the rounds in Bodrum’s resorts and restaurants. ##