The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen planned a month-long activity 3-part weekly series of activities in celebration of the National Language Month (Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2020) this August, under the framework of its Sentro Rizal with this year’s theme “Wika ng Kasaysayan, Kasaysayan ng Wika” and sub-theme “Ang Mga Katutubong Wika sa Maka Filipinong Bayanihan Kontra Pandemya”.
Mr. Ianne Mher Hernandez, a former Filipino teacher at the Ateneo de Manila High School, was invited as resource speaker and facilitator. Mr. Hernandez finished his AB Interdisciplinary Studies and Masters in Basic Education from the same University.
The first workshop, entitled “Pagkawili sa Pagbigkas ng Filipino,” invited participants to act/dramatize popular lines from Philippine movies, depending on the contexts or ‘sub-texts’ provided. According to Mr. Hernandez, the spoken language is replete with undertones and it is important to hear with comprehension, so that we can understand the actual meanings of what is being said. The art and skill of understanding subtexts is important in everyday life, especially in dealing with clients and/or counterparts.
The second workshop, “Pakikisalamuha sa Tula,” got participants more involved by reciting their chosen Filipino poems/tula ranging from descriptive/patriotic poems such as Bayan Ko by Jose Corazon de Jesus, Sa Aking Mga Kabata by Jose Rizal, Kabayanihan by Lope K. Santos, Awit ni Maria Clara by Jose Rizal; Kung Tuyo na ang Luha Mo Aking Bayan by Amado V. Hernandez, to didactic ones such as Sa Pamilihan ng Pag-ibig by Jose Corazon de Jesus, Magulang by Carlo Labrador, Tula Ukol sa Wika by an unknown author, Payo sa Bumabasa ng Tula of Rolando Tinio, O Kapitan, Kapitan Ko by Virgilio Almario, to amusive poems like Wala by a group called Paknu and Kabit by Mhire Jed.
Mr. Hernandez, in his Opening Remarks, emphasized that language learning is cultural learning. He said that learning Filipino is not simply learning the language per se but also learning about the traditions, ways, beliefs and artistic expressions of our people.
Vice Consul Elaine Mae V. Laruan-Hernandez, in her Opening Remarks, stressed the importance of learning Filipino as the national language as well as other regional languages. She emphasized the Consulate General’s role in ensuring that these languages are well nurtured by every Filipino, especially by the younger ones.
Cultural Officer Reigfred Albello expressed appreciation to the Resource Speaker/Facilitator and to the participants from the Filipino Association in Xiamen (FAX) and the Manila Xiamen International School (MXIS) who joined the Consulate General’s personnel in the event.
The month-long event was held at the Consulate General’s Bulwagang Bayan on 07 August and 12 August 2020. The third part of the activity will be held on 21 August 2020 with the theme “Palihan sa Pagsulat”, a poem-writing workshop.
For more information, visit www.dfa.gov.ph, www.facebok.com/dfaphl and @dfaphl on Twitter. END
