ANKARA, 24 November 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara hosted its first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on 23 November 2024. The Embassy brought beloved Filipino Christmas traditions to the Filipinos in Türkiye and shared the festive spirit with Turkish and foreign friends through the Simbang Gabi, Christmas carols, and Noche Buena.
In his remarks, Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto Jr. gladly welcomed all the guests and highlighted the significance of this tradition. “Ikinagagalak po naming kayong tanggapin sa ating tahanan, ito po ang tahanan ng mga Pilipino, upang iparamdam namin ang ating bayan sa pamamagitan ng isang selebrasyon. Ito po ang Pasko, na alam po natin na sa ating kultura ay ang pinakaimportanteng selebrasyon sa buong taon,” he said. ["We are happy to welcome you to our home, this is the home of the Filipinos. We want you to feel the presence of our country through this celebration, Christmas, which, in our culture, is the most important celebration of the year.]
The event began with the celebration of the Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King, which was held at the newly-installed Embassy chapel. The mass was celebrated by Fr. Seraphin Kazadi of the Meryem Ana Catholic Church.
After the mass, the guests were invited to the Embassy garden for the tree-lighting ceremony. The huge pine tree in the garden was decorated with Christmas lights, parol lanterns, and other vibrant ornaments. The traditional belen (nativity scene) was also displayed.
The Meryem Ana Filipino choir rendered two beautiful Christmas songs “Himig ng Pasko” and “Payapang Daigdig” to set the Christmas atmosphere. Ambassador Bensurto and his spouse, Madame Ann Mariza Sanchez Bensurto, then led the ceremonial lighting of the tree, with the choir singing a famous Filipino Christmas song, “Kumukutikutitap.” The evening continued with community singing of other beloved Filipino Christmas carols. Guests were invited to a noche buena-style dinner of Filipino favorites at Christmas.
Over 50 guests joined the event. The Filipino community was joined by Turkish friends and other expatriates from various countries in celebrating the start of the yuletide season.
“The Tree Lighting Ceremony is more than just a celebration of the season. It is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and share our traditions. It is a cherished tradition that brings joy and hope to people, especially to Filipinos wherever they may be in the world,” Ambassador Bensurto added.
The Embassy looks forward to making this tree lighting ceremony an annual tradition as an opportunity for Filipinos in Türkiye to experience Christmas in their home away from home. The Embassy garden and the Christmas display will be open to visitors from 6 to 9 pm daily during this festive season. END.
The Meryem Ana Filipino Choir singing, “Himig ng Pasko” and “Payapang Daigdig” before the start of the tree lighting ceremony (Embassy photo)
Fr. Seraphin Kazadi celebrates the Holy Mass for the Feast of Christ the King at the Embassy chapel (photo courtesy of Mr. Randy Canlas)
Philippine Ambassador to Turkiye Henry S. Bensurto Jr. delivering his message to the Filipino community (Embassy photo)
The Meryem Ana Filipino Choir singing, “Himig ng Pasko” and “Payapang Daigdig” before the start of the tree lighting ceremony (Embassy photo)
Members of the Filipino Community participate in the Community Singing of traditional Filipino Christmas carols (Embassy photo)
Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto Jr. and Madame Ann Mariza N. Sanchez-Bensurto with some Embassy personnel and their families (Embassy photo)
