30 August 2013 — The Philippine Embassy in South Africa, led by Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno, Jr., celebrated Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa with a screening of acclaimed Filipino director Brillante Mendoza’s “Foster Child” at the auditorium of the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) in Pretoria on August 23.

In his remarks before the start of the film showing, Ambassador Vingno welcomed the audience to the event and hailed it as a continuation of the growing cultural cooperation between the Philippines and South Africa, and remarked on the welcoming nature of Filipino culture.  In response, Mr. Muponisi Nkuna, NLSA Deputy Manager for Corporate and International Relations, thanked the Embassy for the opportunity to show the award-winning film and said that the NLSA greatly welcomed the strengthening of its relationship with the Embassy.

During the event, the Ambassador’s wife and President of the Philippine Ladies Circle, Mrs.Yoko Ramos-Vingno, through whose efforts the Embassy was privileged to have secured the venue of the National Library of South Africa anew, donated Philippine books such as F. Sionil Jose’s novel “The Feet of Juan Bacnang” and “Mama Sita’s Homestyle Recipes” cookbook.

The audience included members of the diplomatic corps, students from Nursing Academy, officials and staff of the South African Department of Arts and Culture and Department of Home Affairs, and officials, staff and clients of the National Library of South Africa.

After the film showing, the audience members enjoyed refreshments such as pancit and sandwiches prepared by Embassy personnel.  END