PH Consulate General Celebrates Flores De Mayo With Filipinos in Istanbul
Representatives from the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, led by Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil (3rd from right), together with some of the officers of the Filipino Community in Istanbul and event guests (Istanbul PCG photo).
Istanbul, Türkiye — The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul joined the Filipino Community in this year’s Flores de Mayo celebration on 21 May 2023 at the Vaccariate Hall of St. Esprit Cathedral, Harbiye, Şişli, Istanbul. The event included a food bazaar showcasing different Filipino dishes and delicacies, games, song numbers, and a Sagala.
In her remarks, Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil expressed her appreciation for the concerted effort of the Filipino community in Istanbul and those from neighboring provinces in keeping this tradition alive and bringing it here in Istanbul, Türkiye. The Consul General also provided a brief history of the Flores de Mayo celebration in the Philippines which dates back to the nineteenth century with a religious underpinning.
Consul General ended her message by reminding the Filipino community that true beauty goes beyond ornaments and all the other external beauties we see in festivals like Flores De Mayo. Rather it is exemplified by how we treat and interact with the community, regardless of their nationality, race, or culture.
This year’s celebration was attended by about 140 people, including Turkish visitors, and participated in by five (5) Filipino community organizations and groups. A total of 12 pairs of adults and children dressed in traditional Filipiniana attire and gowns participated in the short parade or Sagala with their colorful floral and Filipino-inspired arches. The event, coinciding with the celebration of National Heritage Month, provided the visitors with a glimpse of one of the Philippines’ vibrant and colorful traditional festivals.
Vice Consul Maika Ros B. Fontelera, Administrative Officer Helen Firme-Subido, FilCom Coordinator Ruby Banzon, and Cultural Officer Vanah De Guzman joined the Consul General at the event. END
The top three winners show off their beautiful arches during the Sagala (Istanbul PCG Photo).
From left to right: Ms. Marivic Vardal of Filipino Community in Istanbul (FCI), Administrative Officer Helen R. Firme-Subido, Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil, Mr. Rohan Legaspi, Vice Consul Maika Ros B. Fontelera, and Cultural Officer Vanah De Guzman (Istanbul PCG photo).
