19 November 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara celebrated the National Children's Day at the Harikalar Diyari, also known as Ankara Wonderland, on October 25.

Cultural Officer Eunice Trinidad gathered all the Embassy personnel and their families upon arrival in the park and gave a short introduction on the significance of the celebration, which is, “to recognize the vital role of the youth in nation-building”.

Immediately after the short talk, kids and adults alike actively participated in Philippine traditional games such as patintero, luksong lubid, tumbang preso and sungka. By late afternoon, the group took their time strolling around the 120 hectares park which offers beautiful landscapes, a 2.5 hectare “fairytale island” and various children playgrounds.

Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez was all pleased to see everyone having fun despite the almost freezing weather in the open park. She said “it is in these activities that we get to promote the youth’s physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being which shall encourage them to get involved in our country’s affairs as they grow up”. END