11 December 2023, ANKARA - The Philippine Embassy, under the guidance of Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. and Madame Ann Mariza N. Sanchez-Bensurto, participated in a Charity Bazaar which was organized by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spouses’ Solidarity Association (DMEDD) on December 10, 2023. The event was held at the Sheraton Ankara Hotel and Convention Center. At the Embassy booth, visitors could see Philippine pearl products, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, indigenous-designed HapiHabi scarves, sashes, headdresses, and bags.
The Philippine booth was among the most popular attractions at the bazaar, with over 200 guests. The DMEDD Bazaar featured over 40 countries, and embassies sold their native cuisine in the international food section. Filipino community members in Ankara helped prepare and operate the Philippine food booth, which sold pinoy delicacies, including chicken adobo, pancit bihon, empanada, and rice cakes such as biko, kutchinta, puto bumbong, and more. Philippine community members also presented the native Tinikling dance to the public, inviting the Ambassador and Turkish locals to try the challenging footwork.
This year's Charity Bazaar marked a significant milestone as it was the first since 2019, following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The DMEDD, established in 1981, is a prominent association actively contributing to the Turkish government's education, culture, health, and tourism promotion efforts. END
Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto Jr. (top row, 5th from right) and Madame Ann Mariza N. Sanchez-Bensurto (bottom row, 4th from right) with members of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spouses’ Solidarity Association (DMEDD) and representatives of the Association of Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) in Ankara. (Embassy photo)
Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto Jr. and Madame Ann Mariza N. Sanchez-Bensurto with embassy personnel at the Philippine booth. (Embassy photo)
Philippine pearls, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, indigenous HapiHabi scarves, sashes, headdresses, and bags are sold at the Philippine booth. (Embassy photos)
Filipino community members perform the traditional Tinikling dance, together with Ambassador Bensurto and volunteers from the Turkish community. (Embassy photos)
Filipino community members serve chicken adobo, pancit bihon, and empanadas to bazaar guests. (Embassy photos)
