PCG Xiamen celebrates Buwan ng Wika 2021 with an activity, “Isang Hapon ng Tula, Awit, at Paggunita”.
The Consulate personnel and families took turns in reciting in their own dialects or native tongues their
chosen poems (tula), traditional/folk songs, proverbs, sayings, or famous expressions.
In celebration of the National Language Month (Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2021), the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen held an activity titled, “Isang Hapon ng Tula, Awit, at Paggunita” at the PCG Xiamen Bulwagan ng mga Bayani / Sentro Rizal Hall on 19 August 2021.
The activity, under the framework of Sentro Rizal Xiamen and in line with this year’s theme, “Filipino at mga Wikang katutubo sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino” promoted an appreciation for Philippine culture and heritage among the Consulate personnel as well as showcased the richness and diversity of the languages in the Philippine archipelago.
Mr. Ianne Mher Hernandez, a former Filipino teacher at the Ateneo de Manila High School, who was also the resource speaker and facilitator of last year’s Buwan ng Wika activities at the Consulate, jumpstarted the program with his opening remarks which emphasized the significance of continuous learning of our language as well as traditions, ways, beliefs and artistic expressions of our indigenous people. He also treated the personnel with a tagalog musical performance together with his son, Kalinaw.
Coming from various regions and provinces as well as from different indigenous backgrounds and ethno linguistic groups, the Consulate personnel felt enthusiasm in reciting in their own dialects or native tongues their chosen poems (tula), traditional/folk songs, proverbs, sayings, or famous expressions as it somehow helped them feel like being back home and eased the homesickness caused by the pandemic.
Poems like “Mangyari Lamang” by Rico Abelardo in Tagalog and “Ang Baboy” by John Iremil Teodoro in Kinaray-a were read. “Magmamani”, “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”, and “Dungdungwen Kanto” - Aklanon, Tagalog and Ilokano folk songs respectively, were performed. Ibaloi, Tagalog, Bikolnon, Ilokano and even millennial proverbs, expressions, and sayings were also shared.
Acting Head of Post, Vice Consul Elaine Mae V. Laruan-Hernandez, in her closing remarks expressed appreciation for the participation and efforts of the Consulate personnel and families as the activity provided a time to reminisce, learn and have fun. - END
