11 December 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara marked the 151st Birth Anniversary of Andres Bonifacio with a commemorative event which was attended by more than 80 members of Filipino communities in Turkey on November 30. Cultural Attaché Eunice Trinidad, gave a short talk about the life of Andres Bonifacio, followed by a short documentary film on “The Great Plebeian” on the common myths surrounding Bonifacio.
After the film, Filipino Community in Turkey President Elma Trinidad recited Andres Bonifacio’s “Huling Paalam” a Filipino translation of Dr. Jose Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios”. Ms. Jennifer Cadorna, a member of the Filipino community in Istanbul performed “Pangalay”, a traditonal dance of the Tausug in Sulu archipelago. Ms. Cadorna, after her solo dance performance, was joined by Ms. Jenny Lubrelio and Mr. Rohan Legaspi for a trio modern dance of the song “Piliin mo ang Pilipinas”.
Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez highlighted in her remarks the need for all Filipinos to embrace the history of our nation by acknowledging the works of Philippine heroes. END