PH EMBASSY CONCLUDES BUWAN NG WIKA 2026 WITH TINIKLING RECITAL AND ART EXHIBIT

31 August 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Cairo successfully concluded its month-long celebration of Buwan ng Wika (National Language Month) 2026 with a culminating program featuring a Tinikling dance recital and an exhibit of artworks created by participants of the Embassy's art workshops.

In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil highlighted the Embassy’s aim to make the most of the school break of young second generation Filipinos and Filipino-Egyptians by providing a venue for the children to learn about the Filipino language through dance and art workshops. She also encouraged parents to support their children in learning about their Filipino roots and urged their continued participation in future Embassy events or by visiting the Sentro Rizal Library at the Embassy premises.

Ambassador Aviquivil also extended her appreciation to the dance group for their dedication in mastering the traditional dance, and to all the young artists for their creative outputs during the art sessions.

The Tinikling dance workshop ran from 03 to 12 August 2026, led by Vice Consul Bryan B. Fernandez, with the assistance of Ms. Melcah May Ofngol . The workshop culminated in the formation of the Sinag Tinikling dance group, whose members included Mr. Jethro Dave Llona, Ms. Salma Bayron Seoudi, Ms. Mizpa Micaela Dela Cruz Nato, and Ms. Rana Arceno Khaled.

Following the dance workshops, the Embassy hosted art workshops on 18 and 20 August 2026, facilitated by Cultural Officer Ms. Sohaila Amerol-Alonto. Activities included miniature paper models of Philippine landmarks, DIY hand fan making, and coloring activities for younger participants. The artworks will be on display at the Consular Section from 01 to 03 September 2026.

The culminating program on 31 August featured the presentation of finished artworks from the art workshops. This was followed by a special performance by Ms. Yara Mapandi, who sang "Ako’y Isang Pinoy." The highlight of the event was the final performance by the Sinag Tinikling dance group, which was met with enthusiastic cheers from the guests and parents in attendance.

There were around forty (40) guests in attendance composed of Filipino-Egyptian youth and members of the Filipino community. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates of recognition to all participants. END