PH Embassy in Manama’s History, Language, and Culture Classes Produces 40 Filipino Children Graduates

Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver addresses the graduates and their parents during the graduation rite of WIKKA (Wika, Kultura at Kasaysayan sa Embahada) Program. Right photo: Ms. Mona Abbas Radhi having a conversation with Ambassador Ver during the graduation rite. (Manama PE photo)

MANAMA 16 December 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Manama, Kingdom held a graduation ceremony for the 40 Filipino children who completed the Embassy’s Wika, Kultura, at Kasaysayan (WIKKA) sa Embahada program at the Radisson Blue Hotel on 06 December 2019.   

Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver in his welcome address, expressed his delight over the success of the program as it become bigger and better every year. He also gave a brief background of the humble beginnings of the program, citing that Embassy personnel had to offer personal financial contributions in their desire to promote the Filipino identity among Filipino children in Bahrain.

Ambassador Ver expressed his gratitude to the parents for their cooperation by lending their time in sending their kids every week to the Embassy for their classes throughout the seven-week program.  “I’m sure these children learned a lot and this will be something that they will carry until they grow old”, Ambassador Ver said.

The event was highlighted with the performances of the Mabuhay Class (aged 5-7 years old) and the Bayani Class (aged 8-11 years old).  The Mabuhay class performed Itik-itik dance and rendered a choral poem recitation entitled, “Ang Bandila”, while the Bayani class perform a Tinikling dance and a speech choir performance by reciting the poem, “Ang Huling Paalam” by Dr. Jose Rizal, to the delight of parents and guests.

A medley of Filipino Christmas carols was also sung by the Mabuhay and Bayani class along with their teachers to cap the cultural presentations of the graduating class.

Plaques and certificates of appreciation were awarded by Ambassador Ver to the volunteer teachers who unselfishly provided their time and talent.

Director for Afro-Asian Affairs of Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mona Abbas Radhi was the guest of honor during the ceremony.

The graduates, along with their parents, as well as the guests were treated to Filipino delights at the end of the graduation ceremony.  END

Graduates of the Bayani Class in their Tinikling dance and sabayang pagbigkas, perfromances. (Manama PE photo)

Graduates of the Mabuhay Class during a photo op at the conclusion of the graduation rite and during the “Ang Bandila” poem recitation. (Manama PE photo)

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