11 December 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara conducted its first ever Parol-Making (Christmas lantern making) workshop with the Filipino communities in Turkey on December 07.
Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez reiterated in her brief message the significance of the parol to every Filipino, especially those overseas, and how the parol as a symbol for peace, love and unity showcase Philippine values and traditions wherever it is hung or displayed. She also cited the importance the workshop as it emphasizes the ability of Filipinos to work together for good causes.
The workshop, which was attended by more than 65 Filipino community members in Ankara, showcased Filipino creativity, patience and resourcefulness, as the participants transformed bamboo sticks and recycled materials such as empty plastic bottles and its caps, old magazines and newspapers, boxes of pizza, used plastic cups and utensils, among others, into parols. Some also used the traditional materials used for parols in the Philippines, such as “papel de japon” or clear plastic papers of various colors.
Immediately after the workshop, all parols were hung in front of the chancery for the Lighting Ceremony led by Ambassador Sanchez and the Filipino community leaders in Ankara while the “Munting Tinig” Choir jumpstarted the Christmas season for Filipinos in Ankara by singing the songs “Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko” and “Himig ng Pasko”.
“It was a beautiful feeling to be a part of the Philippine Culture. It was so much fun!” said Yagmur Artun, the Embassy translator who participated in the workshop and made her first parol which she intends to hang in her home.
A parol-making contest was also initiated by the Embassy with the theme “Christmas: A Time for Peace, Love and Unity”. On December 14, the Embassy will hold its first ever Parol parade along Mahatma Gandhi Caddesi, where the Chancery is located. The parade will showcase the parols made during the workshop and the ones submitted for the Parol-making contest. Winners will be announced during the Filipino community Christmas party on December 14. END