22 July 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara commemorated the 150th Birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini, the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, starting with the inauguration of the Mabini Hall of the Embassy Chancery on July 20.
The program was officially opened by Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez who encouraged the Filipinos in Turkey to emulate the ideals of national heroes such as Mabini. She also invited the guests to visit the simple exhibit about Apolinario Mabini in the Chancery, which will be on display throughout the year.
Filipino community “Barangay” leaders namely, Ms. Marisa Isbilir, Ms. Elizabeth Castro, Ms. Mary Jean Zaimoglu, Ms. Teresita Panganiban, and Ms. Maria Cristina Cauag Krbacevic led in the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon.
At the newly inaugurated Mabini Hall, a slideshow about the biography of Apolinario Mabini was presented by Carlwina Victoria Neri. A letter written by Mabini for his beloved mother entitled “Pag-uukol sa Iyo, Aking Ina” and the “True Decalogue of Mabini” was read by Embassy personnel, Mrs. Anita dela Cruz and Ms. Eunice Trinidad. Immediately following the readings, a documentary entitled “Ano nga ba ang dahilan ng pagkalumpo ni Apolinario Mabini,” – a contemporary rendering of the stories behind the speculation on the reason for Mabini’s paralysis - was shown to the audience.
To further celebrate the occasion, the audience participated in quizzes about the life and times of Apolinario Mabini.
The occasion also saw Philippine Ambassador Sanchez and Philippine Consul General Robert Ferrer, Jr. awarding a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Elizabeth Castro of Couples for Christ and Meryem Ana Choir for her unwavering support to the Embassy and all its activities.
Before the ceremony, a simple and healthy Batangueño lunch was served to the guests showcasing Mabini’s favorite (according to Roland Oliquino’s “Food of our Heroes”) food “Bulanglang Batangas”.
To further celebrate this year’s 150th Birth Anniversary of Mabini, the Embassy will hold a series of monthly lectures on Mabini with historians and members of the academe to discuss Mabini’s relevance to Filipinos today and particularly on Turkey-Philippines relations. END