Salu-Salo, Bridge Lighting in Istanbul Mark PH 125th Independence and Nationhood
Philippine Consulate General Personnel and family members, Filipino community leaders, and other guests during the Salu-Salo event on 12 June 2023 (Istanbul PCG Photo).
Istanbul, 16 June 2023 - The Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino Community leaders in Istanbul and its neighboring provinces celebrated the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood in a simple breakfast event dubbed as “Salu-Salo Kasama ka at Konsulado” on 12 June 2023 at the Hyatt Centric Hotel Istanbul.
"Salu-Salo," a Filipino term meaning "gathering" or "feast," perfectly captured the spirit of the event as it aimed to promote appreciation of Philippine history and culture as well as unity and harmony among Filipinos in Istanbul and its neighboring provinces.
In her remarks, Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil highlighted the significance of the team “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan (Freedom. Future. History)” and encouraged the Filipino community leaders to reflect on the value of our freedom. "Nawa’y ang pribilehiyo ng ating pagiging malaya ay maging isang malakas na puwersa upang tayo’y patuloy na maglingkod sa ating kapwa at sa ating bayan saan mang bahagi ng mundo, sa abot ng ating kakayahan," said the Consul General.
The event also showcased some Filipino dishes; Filipino songs sang by select members of the Filipino Community such Ugoy ng Duyan, Carinosa, at Ako ay Pilipino; Bugtungan and Pinoy Henyo games, as well as an Arnis demonstration by Arnis Filipin Spor Kulübü or Arnis Filipino Sports Club.
The highlight of this year’s celebration was the illumination of the iconic Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in Philippine flag colors of blue, red, and white hues for the first time at sundown until the morning of 13 June 2023. Through this initiative, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul aims to raise awareness of the Philippines’ rich heritage and foster unity among diverse communities, as well as its commitment to serving its nationals wherever they are in the world.
As the illumination event also happened on the eve of the 74th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Türkiye (13 June), it also served as a symbolic reminder to the enduring friendship, shared history, and shared aspirations for a brighter future between the Philippines and Türkiye, and the commitment to further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul expresses its deep gratitude to the Turkish Government, including the Mınistry of Foreign Affairs, the General Directorate of Highways, the Office of the Governor of Istanbul, and all the agencies involved in making this initiative possible. END
Philippine Consulate Team poses with the Bahay Kubo Photo Frame (Istanbul PCG Photo).
Arnis demonstration by Arnis Filipin Spor Kulübü or Arnis Filipino Sports Club (Istanbul PCG Photo).
Filipino community leaders and representatives of Arnis Filipin Külübü actively participate during the Pinoy Henyo game (Istanbul PCG Photo).
Consul General Mananquil (2nd from right) with representatives of Filipino scholars in Türkiye (Istanbul PCH Photo).
The iconic Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (second bridge), connecting Istanbul’s Europe and Asian side, shines vibrant colors of the Philippine Flag at sundown on 12 June 2023 (Istanbul PCG Photo).
The iconic Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (second bridge), connecting Istanbul’s Europe and Asian side, shines vibrant colors of the Philippine Flag at sundown on 12 June 2023 (Istanbul PCG Photo).
