09 November 2016 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara conducted its 3rd Annual Parol-Making Workshop on October 23 in Ankara and on October 30 in Istanbul.
Similar to previous workshops, the event showcased Filipino creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness as participants transformed bamboo and used both recycled and traditional materials, such as “papel de japon” or clear plastic papers of various colors, to make their parols.
The workshop in Ankara was attended by over 70 Filipino community members including students from various universities, as well as friends and guests of the Embassy.
Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez welcomed the guests and took the opportunity to introduce the Embassy’s Third Secretary and Vice Consul, Mr. Marc Theodore P. Benigno, and his spouse as the newest members of the Embassy. The Ambassador also reassured the community of the Embassy’s continued support and assistance to all Filipinos in Turkey.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Benigno highlighted that the “parol is an expression of our shared faith, hope and, for us Filipinos abroad, solidarity.”
The event was also an opportunity to award the winners of the “Parol Festival Theme Contest.” The winner of the contest was Ms. Marigen Zaimoglu from Ankara with the theme “Pagbibigayan, Kapayapaan at Pagmamahalan ang Diwa at Mensahe ng Pasko”.
After the workshop, all parols were hung at the Embassy’s consular section and will be paraded during the Parol Festival on December 04.
On October 30, the Embassy brought the Parol-Making Workshop to Istanbul during the Embassy’s monthly consular mission on October 30. The workshop was attended by over 150 Filipino community members who also displayed their talent and creativity in making their parols.
Members of the community expressed their appreciation to the Embassy for conducting the workshop in Istanbul as the experience made them feel as though they were home.
The project officers of the event were Mr. Roberto Verzosa, Attache and Ms. Salome Manalili, Attache. END
