09 September 2013 - Filipino children in Ankara listened intently as Jose Rizal's fable Ang Pagong at ang Matsing was read to them in Filipino during the celebration of Buwan ng Wika at the Philippine Embassy in Ankara on August 25.

Combining the classic method of story-telling with an animated wide-screen presentation, Minister Senen T. Mangalile, the Embassy's Chargé d' Affaires, narrated one of Rizal's more famous children's stories to sons and daughters of Filipino community members and Embassy personnel as their parents listened along.

The story-telling followed the singing of Lupang Hinirang, opening remarks by Second Secretary and Consul Leilani S. Feliciano and a reading of the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III on Buwan ng Wika.

A short video entitled Kasaysayan ng Wikang Filipino, which featured the continuing evolution of the Filipino language through Chinese, Indian, Spanish, American and Japanese influences and the emergence of information technology, was presented by the Embassy's Cultural Officer Eunice P. Trinidad.

Consul Feliciano recited the poem Wikang Filipino, which was followed by the community's rendition of the song "Ako'y Isang Pinoy" by Florante.

A merienda of lugaw na may manok and pritong lumpia capped the simple but well-attended celebration. END