Philippine Embassy London Launches Guidebook on Learning Pilipino During National Literature Month

Ms. Enriquez Crespo presented to Ambassador Locsin her 3-volume book which features engaging lessons on speaking, reading and writing Filipino.

LONDON 11 July 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in the United Kingdom organized the launch of a guidebook on learning Pilipino through the event entitled “Tara Na’t Mag-aral ng Wikang Pilipino!” at Sentro Rizal London on 29 April 2025, in celebration of National Literature Month.

The guidebook “Let’s Speak Tagalog: A Guide to Learning Tagalog (Filipino)” is authored by Ms. Anna-Luisa Enriquez Crespo, a London-based language educator.

Ms. Crespo presented to the audience - composed of second and third generation Filipinos, non-Filipino students learning the Filipino language and some members of the Filipino community - her 3-volume book which features engaging lessons on speaking, reading and writing Tagalog/Filipino.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. hailed the guidebook as a gift to the Filipino community, especially for young Filipinos born and raised abroad who want to strengthen their ties to their Filipino heritage. He said language becomes a bridge and an anchor in the diaspora, as it connects generations, preserves culture, and keeps the Filipino soul alive. 

The program included interactive language games such as, Sino Siya? (Guess Who?), Bugtong Time (Riddle Me This!) and Tagalog Tongue Twisters (Paligsahan ng Pataliman ng Dila). Winners took home token bags containing award-winning Filipino sauces and condiments made in the UK.

Ms. Zophia Irena Saikol of the Office of the SSS Representative rendered her version of the popular OPM “Kailan.” 

The celebration concluded with a salo-salo of Filipino food and fellowship with the guests.

Ambassador Locsin emphasized that learning Pilipino is about knowing where we come from, understanding our parents’ stories and being able to pass that on to the next generation.

The celebration was attended by second and third generation Filipinos, non-Filipino students learning the Filipino language, members of the Filipino community and Embassy personnel.

Guests and contestants had fun during the interactive language games such as, Sino Siya? (Guess Who?), Bugtong Time (Riddle Me This!) and Tagalog Tongue Twisters (Paligsahan ng Pataliman ng Dila).

For more information, visit https://www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph  or https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUK, https://twitter.com/philippinesinuk or https://www.instagram.com/philippinesinuk/.