Ankara, Türkiye, 20 June 2023 - Chargé d’affaires a.i. Juan E. Dayang Jr. attended “Kalayaan 2023 Türkiye”, an event spearheaded by different Filipino Community organizations in Istanbul, Türkiye, for the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence, on 18 June 2023 at the Sheraton Hotel, Istanbul. The event included the a Philippine Food Festival, a Cultural Presentation, the Mutya ng Kalayaan 2023 Pageant, and the Gala Night.
The Philippine Food Festival and Cultural Program was held in the morning, showcasing Filipino traditions, music, dance and cuisine. A contest was held for the best cultural presentation, the best OPM (Original Pilipino Music) song performance, and the best booth at the event.
Chargé d’affaires a.i. Juan E. Dayang Jr. with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul at its booth at the Kalayaan 2023 Türkiye. (Embassy photo).
Members of the Filipino Community in Istanbul perform a Philippine Folk Dance at the Kalayaan 2023 Türkiye Cultural Program. (Embassy photo).
Over a hundred guests attended the Mutya ng Kalayaan 2023 Pageant and Gala Night. Chargé d’affaires a.i. Dayang, guest of honor and member of the board of judges for the pageant, emphasized in his speech the important role of Filipinos overseas in fostering deeper bilateral relations with host countries, especially in Türkiye.
“The story of the Philippines is not just the story of Manila or Cavite. It is the story of the entire Philippines, from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is also the story of our Overseas Filipino Workers all over the world. Filipinos in Türkiye are crucial for deepening our bilateral relations on a deeper and personal level. Bilang bagong bayani, you do not only work for your loved ones back home but also for each other here and for our Turkish brothers and sisters,” he said.
Chargé d’affaires a.i. Juan E. Dayang Jr. (right), Consul General Shirlene Mananquil (center), and Vice Consul Maika Fortelera (left) at the Mutya ng Kalayaan 2023 Pageant. (Embassy photo).
He also acknowledged the leadership of Consul General Shirlene Mananquil of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Istanbul, the officers and staff of the Consulate General and the Istanbul Filipino Community. “We also want to celebrate the success of the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul. It was only a short three and half years ago, since the doors of their first office opened here in Europe’s biggest city,” he said.
Via video message, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Victorino Manalo lauded the Filipinos living in Türkiye for promoting the Philippines and the Filipino culture in Türkiye. “You have not only brought the warmth and vibrancy of the Philippine culture to Türkiye but have also become ambassadors of shared values. Your achievements and successes inspire us all to remind us on the limitless potentials of the Filipino people.” The video message may be viewed in this link. (https://fb.watch/liE3sbon5U/).
The Kalayaan 2023 in Türkiye was attended by Filipino community organizations in Istanbul. as well as Filcom groups from Ankara including the Overseas Filipinos in Ankara Association (OFAA) and Pinoy in Ankara Community (PAC).
