PH Embassy in Stockholm Celebrates National Literature Month through Storytelling

Ms. Aya Sunga Askert, President and Founder of Filipino Artists Association in Sweden, joined by Ms. Elrica Uy, Volunteer Teacher from the Philippine Education Society (PES), reads “Ang Unang Barangay” to the older group of children. (Stockholm PE photo)

STOCKHOLM, 20 April 2023 – In celebration of the National Literature Month, the Philippine Embassy, in partnership with the Philippine Education Society (PES), organized a storytelling session for children at its Chancery on 15 April 2023, as part of the Silid-Aralan sa Embahada 2023 program.

The children were read stories “Ang Unang Barangay” and “Si Langgam at si Tipaklong” - both by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario. “Ang Unang Barangay” depicts the lives of Filipino ancestors prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in the country. The book revisits the way of life of the very first Filipinos, from their discovery of the Philippine islands to the various arts that developed and flourished during the period.

Meanwhile, the story “Si Langgam at si Tipaklong”, read to the younger group in class, is a fable that contains valuable lessons in giving importance to hard work. The thematic discussion on the story revolves around the Filipino saying, “kapag may itinanim, tiyak may aanihin”.

Ms. Aya Sunga Askert, President and Founder of the Filipino Artists Association in Sweden (FAAS), participated in the storytelling activity. 

The National Literature Month is celebrated in April every year. It aims to achieve a better understanding of oral traditions, honoring pioneering storytellers, and appreciating the Filipino language. END.

Book covers of Virgilio S. Almario works’ “Si Langgam at si Tipaklong” and “Ang Unang Barangay”. (Stockholm PE photo)

Students participated in activities including artworks and word puzzles after the storytelling session. (Stockholm PE photo)

Youngsters listen intently to the story of “Si Langgam at si Tipaklong”. (Stockholm PE photo)

For more information, https://stockholmpe.dfa.gov.ph/.