Filipino women and students actively participate in the demonstration of basic self-defense techniques (Istanbul PCG photo).
Istanbul, Türkiye, 29 November 2023 - The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, under the leadership of Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil successfully conducted its first ever Basic Self-defense Training for the Filipino community in Istanbul, in collaboration with the Arnis Filipin Spor Kulübü, on 26 November 2023 at Wyndham Grand Hotel Istanbul, Türkiye.
Consul General Mananquil welcomed the participants and expressed the Consulate’s hope to further empower our kababayans in Türkiye, especially those under the Marmara region, by equipping them with basic skills to protect themselves against violence, in particular physical attacks.
The three-hour training included a lecture on the Arnis self-defense concept and principles, as well as a demonstration of self-defense techniques such as wrist hold defense, choke hold defense, punch defense, stick defense, among others. Over 50 participants, composed of Filipino workers and students, mostly women, attended the seminar, and received certificates from Post.
The activity forms part of the Consulate General’s Assistance to Nationals (ATN) and Gender and Development (GAD) activities for the year, and is in line with the annual 18-Day Campaign to End VAW which commenced on 25 November 2023. The activity also served as a venue to promote the Philippine Martial Art Arnis and its relevance to one’s everyday life.
Arnis Filipin Spor Kulübü or Arnis Filipino Sports Club is a Turkish-based organization composed of 50 members, established by Arnis enthusiasts and practitioners, particularly those practicing the Balintawak Arnis. END
Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil gives her opening remarks before the training proper (Istanbul PCG photo).
Filipino women and students actively participate in the demonstration of basic self-defense techniques (Istanbul PCG photo).
PCG personnel, Filipino women, and students actively participating in the demonstration of basic self-defense techniques (Istanbul PCG photo).
Participants during the basic self-defense training pose for a group photo with the members of the Arnis Filipin Spor Kulübü (Istanbul PCG photo).
