Painting Exhibit at Jeddah Consulate

commemorates “Buwan ng Wika” and “Araw ng mga Bayani”

01 September 2015 - In observance of the 2015 Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa (National Language Month) and Araw ng mga Bayani (National Heroes Day), the Consulate in Jeddah partnered with AB Punzalan’s Art Class (The Filipino Art Studio), under the tutelage of Arch. Arnel B. Punzalan, in holding a painting exhibit by 48 young Filipino artists, ages 7 to 14 years old, at the lobby of the Consulate’s ground floor lobby. The activity which started on 16 August will run until 15 September 2015.

The theme “ Alpabetong Filipino: To Love our Country” was conceptualized to give young Filipino children in Jeddah the opportunity to learn, appreciate and share love for the Filipino language and culture and also to promote patriotism. The exhibit includes 71 artworks from 48 young Filipino artists in Jeddah, that feature Alpabetong Filipino, Philippine national heroes, scenic spots, Filipino culture and the “modern Filipino”.

The exhibit made the Consulate’s lobby more attractive to its visitors/clients, both Filipinos and non-Filipinos, are greeted with a warm blast of dazzling artworks showcasing Filipino talents, culture and heritage.

The culminating program on the twin celebrations was held on 30 August 2015 at the PCG Hall which was attended by close to 100 people composed of the young artists/students (who are mostly enrolled at the four accredited Philippine curriculum schools in Jeddah namely Al Dura (Gems) International School, Bader International School, Durat Al Sharq International School and International Philippine School in Jeddah), parents of the artists and other guests and supporters of the Consulate like Jollibee-NesmaTrading Ltd., and the Consulate’s officers and staff as well.

Acting Head of Post, Consul Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan gave the opening remarks where she underscored the importance of the events such as the Buwan ng Wika and Araw ng mga Bayani which highlights Filipino identity and the spirit of unity and cooperation among Filipino people. Consul Usudan also thanked her staff for their support and cooperation extended to her as Acting Head of Post.

Consul Usudan expressed appreciation to AB Punzalan’s Art Class and distributed certificates to Arch. Arnel B. Punzalan and to the young artists during the program in recognition of their support and cooperation to the Consulate. During the event, Arch. Punzalan said that he takes every opportunity to introduce Filipino culture to his young Filipino artists/students through his art class during Thursdays and Fridays in Jeddah.

As part of the celebration, Vice Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague gave a lecture on the evolution of the Filipino alphabet and the importance of the Filipino language to national identity. He also gave a snapshot on the lives of Philippine heroes who fought valiantly for peace, freedom and democracy and now their works and deeds contributed to the shaping of our country. The program also included dance performance from the Jollibee mascot and a meaningful song number entitled “Bayan Ko” rendered by Ms. Raida Acraman, a Consulate personnel.

The celebration was capped with the wreath laying ceremony on the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal led by Acting Head of Post, Consul Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan and assisted by Vice Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague and Labor Attache Jainal Rasul. END.