PR-105-2017

Philippine Embassy Celebrates “Buwan ng Wika” and
National Heroes Day with Sabayang Pagbigkas of the
Philippine Curriculum Schools in Riyadh and Al-Khobar

Figure 1: Representatives from the 8 participating schools: (L to R: Riyadh International School, Elite International School, International Philippine School in Alkhobar, Al Taj International School, International Philippine School in Riyadh, Future Generation Philippine International School, Al Dannah International School and Al-Andalus International School)

(Riyadh, 30 August 2017) In celebration of the Buwan ng Wika and National Heroes Day, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh held a Speech Choir Presentation on 25 August 2017 at the King Faisal Foundation Auditorium in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The event was participated by following eight (8) Philippine Curriculum Schools in Riyadh and in the Eastern Region with their Speech Choir performances pieces:

Riyadh

1. Al Dannah International School – Wikang Filipino, Wikang Mapagbago by Erico Menije Habijan
2. Al Taj International School – Sa Iyo, Bayani ng Lahi by Alfonso O. Santiago / Pilipino, Isang Depinisyon by Ponciano BP Pineda / Tawag ng Panahon and Kalayaan Natin by Deo Antonio D. Llamas
3. Elite International School – Tinig ng Bangsa – Pilipino by Diego C. Pomarca, Jr.
4. Future Generation Philippine International School – Wikang Filipino sa Pambansang Kalayaan at Pagkakaisa by Patrocino Villafuerte
5. International Philippine School in Riyadh – Ang Wikang Filipino: Iisang Pagkakakilanlan ng Lahi’t Kultura at Susi sa Pambansang Kaunlaran by Dr. Florentina Gorospe
6. Riyadh International School - Wikang Filipino sa Pambansang Kalayaan at Pagkakaisa by Patrocino Villafuerte

Eastern Region

1. Al-Andalus International School - Wikang Filipino sa Pambansang Kalayaan at Pagkakaisa by Patrocino Villafuerte
2. International Philippine School in AlKhobar - Wikang Filipino sa Pambansang Kalayaan at Pagkakaisa by Patrocino Villafuerte

Figure 2: Participants from the Al-Andalus International School

This year’s theme, “Filipino: Wikang Mapagbago” reminds us on the importance of our language which paves the way for a deeper understanding of our identity as Filipinos and increase our drive for a better change for the Philippines.

The performances were highlighted by the words of wisdom from the 5 critics namely, Mrs. Rhea S. Rodriguez, Mrs. Marinel Ricafort, Mr. Art Basilio Capulong, Mr. Resituto S. Sibug and J. Nava Cruz.

The program showed the talents and creativity of the Filipino students in terms of group performances. The students were very enthusiastic on stage and gave their best performances on stage in terms of speaking and group interpretation. The teachers, school administrators and parents who watched the performances were proud of seeing their students or children perform on stage.

Philippine companies based in Riyadh have extended their support for the activity such as Jollibee and Philippine Airlines. At the same time, the Order of the Knights of Rizal – Central Region led by its Chapter Commander, Mr. Restituto S. Sibug were also present during the event and have expressed their interest to organize a similar project together with the Philippine Embassy in the future.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh aims to have more activities in promoting Philippine culture in the Kingdom through arts and lectures on the Philippine heritage. (END)