PH Embassy in Moscow Holds First-Ever “Tulaan Sa Pasuguan”

Top photo: Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta welcomes the viewers to the first-ever “Tulaan sa Pasuguan”.

Bottom photo: Zoom conference room full of resource persons and speakers for the “Tulaan sa Pasuguan”. (Moscow PE photo)

MOSCOW 01 September 2020 – The Philippine Embassy in Moscow, Russian Federation, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), held its first ever “Tulaan sa Pasuguan”, an online poetry event composed of a lecture, live poetry readings and the culmination of a poetry writing contest, via Zoom and broadcast live on Facebook on 30 August 2020.  

This activity is held in commemoration of the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa at Kasaysayan and aims to enhance appreciation of the Filipino national language and encourage Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Russia, Belarus, Armenia, and Kazakhstan to express their creativity through poetry. It is also part of the Embassy’s Gender and Development (GAD) program.  

Dr. Michael Coroza, renowned Filipino artist, eight-time recipient of the Palanca Award, and one of the foremost experts of Filipino language, conducted a lecture on the history and forms of Philippine poetry and performed a spirited live reading of famous Philippine poems featuring gender issues. He said poetry must be able to convey a very deep message, transcending mere words, but must convey feelings, pathos, and longing.  His colleague and longtime friend, and one of Moscow State University’s prominent specialists on Filipino language, Professor Ekaterina Baklanova, was also present during the presentation. The two Filipino language specialists exchanged insights on notable Filipino poems such as Dr. Belinda Santos’ “Kundiman”, Mike L. Bigornia’s “Nara”, and Elynia S. Mabanglo’s “Kung Ibig Mo Akong Makilala”. 

The lecture was followed by a live reading by Vice Consul Catherine Alpay of the abridged version of a patriotic poem written by Filipino national hero Andres Bonifacio entitled, “Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa”. 

Before 30 August 2020, the Embassy made an open call for entries for the poetry writing contest, and in the final part of the online event, the Embassy announced the three best entries of the poetry writing contest. The three best entries were written by: Mr. Kenny Fabila (“Ang Buhay ng Ilan”), Ms. Michelle Medina Artutiunova (“Pandemya-COVID19”), and Ms. Rose Zimenkov (“Sa Diyos Magtiwala”). The three winners did a live reading of their works during the event and will be awarded cash prizes. Honorable mentions will also receive special prizes.

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta thanked the viewers, especially those who submitted their works in the poetry writing contest. He also expressed gratitude to the Filipino community for its continuous support to the Embassy’s activities.   

“The Filipino community is our partner in our efforts to promote Filipino language and culture abroad. We are very thankful to our kababayan for the support extended to the Embassy’s first-ever Tulaan sa Pasuguan. We have seen how Filipino creativity flourished despite the pandemic, and how this shared outpouring of emotions strengthened our bonds as a community.  We hope to hold this event again next year,” said Ambassador Sorreta. 

In his closing remarks, Dr. Coroza thanked the Embassy in leading the efforts to promote the best of Filipino culture and values to its jurisdictions. He also expressed hope that these efforts will further strengthen bilateral ties between the Philippines and Russia.  “We are happy that you are there, and you are serving the country even from afar.  I hope that we will continue to serve our country well and to help each other in improving the lives of our citizens,” he said. END

Dr. Michael Coroza delivers his presentation on Philippine poetry. (Moscow PE photo)

Philippine Embassy in Moscow Vice Consul Catherine Alpay reads Andres Bonifacio’s “Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa”. (Moscow PE photo)

A round of applause from the Zoom conference room after the three winners read their entries. (Moscow PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/, or https://twitter.com/phlinrussia.