Joint ASEAN Day Celebration Showcases Vibrant Cultural Fusion of Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia in Istanbul
From left to right: Consul General Darianto Harsono of Indonesia, Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil of the Philippines, Mayor of the Municipality of Beyoğlu Haydar Ali Yıldız, Consul General Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir of Malaysia, and Consul General Mohammed Nore-Alam of Bangladesh during the opening of the ASEAN Day celebration at the Galata Square on 05 August 2023 (Istanbul PCG Photo).
Istanbul, 07 August 2023 - The Consulates General of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia in Istanbul joined hands on 5 August 2023, for a remarkable ASEAN Day celebration. This vibrant event showcased the strong ties binding these Southeast Asian nations, highlighting their commitment to mutual understanding and cooperation.
Under the leadership of Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil of the Philippines, Consul General Darianto Harsono of Indonesia, and Consul General Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir of Malaysia, and in partnership with Mayor Haydar Ali Yıldız of the Municipality of Beyoğlu, the joint celebration brought to life an engaging cultural experience that celebrated diversity and shared values.
Held at Galata Square against the backdrop of the iconic Galata Tower, the event featured traditional performances, delectable cuisine, and captivating presentations that painted a vivid picture of the ASEAN region's rich heritage. Attendees enjoyed an immersive journey through the cultures of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, while embracing their common goals.
Esteemed guests, diplomats, and local community members gathered to commemorate this significant day, emphasizing ASEAN's role in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity. The collaboration between the Consulates General emphasized their commitment to strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties between their countries and Istanbul.
Through this celebration, the Consulates General of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia reaffirmed their dedication to promoting friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect among ASEAN member states.
Several nationalities such as Italians, Kazakhstan, Turkish, among others participated in the open-mic segment of the celebration, which displayed friendship and unity beyond ASEAN. The event closed with the Consulates General leading the Poco-Poco dance, an Indonesian dance that has gained immense popularity and has transcended cultural boundaries and become a symbol of unity and celebration across the globe. END
From left to right: Consul General Darianto Harsono of Indonesia, Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil of the Philippines, and Consul General Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir of Malaysia during the opening of the ASEAN Day celebration at the Galata Square on 05 August 2023 (Istanbul PCG Photo).
Filipino folk dancers and Indonesian dancers join the Consuls General of Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia, and their spouses, as well as the Beyoğlu Mayor for a group photo during the program opening ceremony (Istanbul PCG photo).
Mayor of the Municipality of Beyoğlu Haydar Ali Yıldız tries out Filipino cuisines during the ASEAN Day celebration on 5 August 2023 (Istanbul PCG photo).
Guests flock to the Filipino food booth during the ASEAN Day celebration. The food booth served chicken adobo, chicken sisig, biko, sapin-sapin, kwek-kwek, and sago’t gulaman prepared by one of the filipino restaurants in Istanbul, Chow Queen (Istanbul PCG Photo).
Filipino Unity Group dancers perform the Alitaptap folk dance. Filipino performers also rendered song performances (Istanbul PCG Photo).
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