17 November 2016 — The Philippine Embassy in Moscow co-hosted the reception for the launch of the “Tiempo Russo in Tubabao” exhibit which was held at the Alexander Solzhenitsyn House of Russians Abroad in Moscow on November 08.
The exhibit was organized by the Congress of Russian-Americans, in cooperation with the Alexander Solzhenitsyn House of Russians Abroad, Museum-Archive of Russian Culture in San Francisco, and Moscow City Culture Department.
It tells the story of the 6,000 White Russian refugees who fled from conflict-torn Shanghai and sought refuge in the island of Tubabao, Guiuan, Eastern Samar between 1949 and 1951.
The exhibit features photographs, documents, drawings, and other memorabilia showing the refugees’ daily life - their struggles and little triumphs - as they built a functioning little Russian community in Tubabao.
The exhibit runs from November 08 to 30 and is dedicated to the 65th Anniversary of the Last Exodus of Russian Refugees in Tubabao to the United States and 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippines-Russia Diplomatic Relations.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta lauded this great initiative of collective remembrance of a little known episode in Philippines-Russia relations. “It is a beautiful story of resilience and compassion that has become a wellspring of solidarity for our peoples,” he added.
Ambassador Sorreta also stressed that the Philippines under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is committed to enhancing cooperation with Russia. He noted that interest in Russia from different sectors in Philippine society is very high and this augurs well for the future of the relations.
On behalf of the Congress of Russian-Americans, Ms. Natalie Sabelnik conveyed her enduring gratitude to the Philippine Government for welcoming them during that challenging time. Ms. Sabelnik was a young child when her family escaped from Shanghai to the Philippines. She was three years old when she boarded the last ship that left Tubabao for San Francisco 65 years ago.
Shown during the launching ceremony was the documentary film titled “Tubabao Odyssey: Refuge in the Philippines” which was produced by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and President Elpidio Quirino Foundation, Inc. and was based on the research of Ms. Kinna Kwan. END
