23 June 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Ankara, Turkey celebrated the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence with a reception for the diplomatic community on June 12 in Hilton Hotel in Ankara.
Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez and Mr. Mario Sanchez, Consul General Robert O. Ferrer, Jr., Vice Consul Ericka Anna T. Abad, Consuls General a.h. Ersin Karaoglan of Istanbul, Ender Yorgancilar of Izmir and Consul a.h. Tamer Kabalcioglu of Gaziantep welcomed the guests in the formal reception line.
The event was graced by the chief guest from Turkey, Major General Gürzel Öztϋrk who represented Turkey’s Minister of Defence Ismet Yilmaz. In his speech, he expressed his Minister’s warm greetings to the Philippine Government on its National day and invited guests to experience Filipino hospitality.
The speeches were followed by group photos of the Ambassador and Undersecretary Öztϋrk, together with ASEAN Ambassadors, the Singaporean Chargé d’ Affaires, and Deputy Heads of Missions, followed by the traditional cutting of the commemorative cake. A cross-section of Philippine Embassy bilateral political and trade partners attended the event – an opportunity to discuss the solid economic gains of the Aquino administration and the past heroism of Filipino leaders.
The event also showcased the Philippines’ culture, with a dance performance of “Cariñosa” by members of the Embassy and their partners, and cuisine, with beef “adobo” and “chicken barbecue” served by the Ankara Hilton’s chef using Philippine-made sauces and spices.
Closing the program, the promotional videos “It’s more fun in the Philippines” from the Department of Tourism and the “United Nations International Day of Happiness 2014“ – a UN project arising from a United Nations General Assembly resolution, were shown for guests as proof of Filipino joy. The presentations allowed the guests to see “why it’s more fun in the Philippines and why Filipinos are happy.” The master of ceremonies was Third Secretary and Vice Consul Ericka Abad. END
