PH Embassy in Beirut Gifts Gibran Museum with "The Prophet" in Filipino

Museum Director Joseph Geagea presents Ambassador to Lebanon Bernardita L. Catalla with a museum copy of Khalil Gibran’s most famous book “The Prophet.” (Beirut PE photo)

BEIRUT 05 December 2018 — To promote better ties between the Philippines and Lebanon and as part of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut's cultural diplomacy initiatives, Ambassador Bernardita L. Catalla turned over two copies of the Filipino translation of Khalil Gibran’s most famous work “The Prophet” to the Khalil Gibran Museum on 12 October 2018.

Museum Director Joseph Geagea received from Ambassador Catalla the Filipino version entitled “Ang Pantas.”

"The Prophet" was translated into Filipino by multi-awarded Filipino poet and writer Dr. Ruth Elynia Mabanglo. The book has also been translated to Cebuano, one of the Philippines' major languages.

A beloved Lebanese poet and writer, Mr. Gibran was a native of Bcharre. Considered as one of the most popular poets of all time, his books have been translated into more than 100 languages.

Though the Lebanese poet lived for a time in the United States, his final wish was to retire in Lebanon. Upon his request, his sister bought a monastery, which has been transformed into a museum by the Gibran National Committee. The museum houses Mr. Gibran’s writings, artworks, personal effects, as well as his tomb.

Director Geagea warmly welcomed the Embassy delegation and personally gave them an extensive tour of the museum. He spoke at length about Mr. Gibran’s legacy to Lebanon and the world saying that the Lebanese respect and admire the poet, who is widely regarded as an international figure because of his literary and artistic contributions.

“Many people know about Lebanon because of Khalil Gibran,” Mr. Geagea proudly told Ambassador Catalla.

Director Geagea gifted Ambassador Catalla with a museum-stamped copy of “The Prophet,” and a book of illustrations featuring Mr. Gibran’s most popular paintings. END

For more information, visit www.beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLebanon/

Ambassador to Lebanon Bernardita L. Catalla (center) turns over the Filipino translation of Khalil Gibran’s “The Prophet” (“Ang Pantas”) to Museum Director Joseph Geagea. (Beirut PE photo)