In observance of the annual Buwan ng Wika this August, the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona celebrated with two engaging cultural programs designed to promote the Filipino language and heritage. These events brought together second and third-generation Filipinos, fostering a deeper connection to their roots and highlighting the richness of Filipino traditions. 

The initial Buwan ng Wika activities commenced on 01 August at Jesus Reigns Ministries Church, where nearly a hundred children, both Filipino and Spanish, warmly welcomed members of the Consulate. Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay and Consular Assistant and Security Officer Keiichi Fulcher led an engaging storytelling session of "Nang Magkakulay ang Nayon," a tale imbued with the core Filipino values of discipline and respect for elders. Pastor Marivic Pitogo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Consulate for including her Church in its cultural outreach initiatives.

On August 2, the celebration continued at the Consulate, where 20 young Filipino children and their parents were warmly welcomed. In her opening remarks, Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro emphasized the vital role of the Filipino language in preserving cultural identity.  She urged both parents and children to actively maintain its use, highlighting that this commitment ensures that Filipino remains a living language, a cherished heritage for future generations in Barcelona and as a way for the youth to reconnect with their roots.

As a means of educating the Filipino youth, the Consulate introduced the 28 letters of the Alpabetong Filipino along with an illustrative Filipino vocabulary. This educational session sparked surprise and delight among the children, who recognized similarities between Filipino and Spanish words. This interaction beautifully highlighted the ease with which they could linguistically bridge both cultures.

Another highlight of the program was a joyful musical performance by Filipino vlogger Ms. Jelyn Dimaculangan, who was joined by her children, Janna and Julia, and her spouse, former Barcino head chef Jaume Viñallonga. Ms. Dimaculangan’s renditions of beloved Filipino songs delighted the young audience members.She shared, “I'm elated to have been part of the Buwan ng Wika activity.  My love of music allowed me to sing Filipino songs during the program, giving the children a glimpse into the joy of Filipino childhood through song.”

This was followed by an interactive activity centered around the traditional Filipino song "Bahay Kubo." Children were engaged in matching photographs of vegetables from the song to their Filipino names, an exercise that also encouraged parental participation and enriched the children's understanding of Filipino culture and language.

The program concluded with the children’s heartfelt rendition of "Hiraya Manawari" (Reach Your Dreams), symbolizing the hope and aspirations for preserving and celebrating Filipino culture in Barcelona for generations to come. END

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona
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Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay and Consular Assistant and Security Officer Keiichi Fulcher with Pastor Marivic Pitogo (in gray shirt)
and the children of the Jesus Reigns Ministries Barcelona

Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay reads the book “Nang Magkakulay ang Nayon”

Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay interacts with a Filipino youth

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro welcomes participants to the Buwan ng Wika celebration

Filipino children with their interactive Bahay Kubo wall activity

Filipino vlogger Ms. Jelyn Dimaculangan sings Leron Leron Sinta

Filipino children candidates of Munting Binibini Barcelona sings Hiraya Manawari