MABUHAY, ISTANBUL! Philippine Consulate General personnel and family members, Filipino community leaders, and other guests during the ‘Salu-Salo’ event on June 12, 2023 (Istanbul PCG Photo)

The Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino community leaders in Istanbul and its neighboring provinces celebrated the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood at a simple breakfast event dubbed as “Salu-Salo Kasama Ka at Konsulado” last month at the Hyatt Centric Hotel Istanbul.

Salu-salo, a Filipino term meaning “gathering” or “feast,” perfectly captured the spirit of the event as it aimed to promote appreciation of Philippine history and culture as well as unity and harmony among Filipinos in Istanbul and its neighboring provinces.
In her remarks, Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil highlighted the significance of the team “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan (Freedom, Future, History)” and encouraged the Filipino community leaders to reflect on the value of our freedom.

“Nawa’y ang pribilehiyo ng ating pagiging malaya ay maging isang malakas na puwersa upang tayo’y patuloy na maglingkod sa ating kapwa at sa ating bayan saan mang bahagi ng mundo, sa abot ng ating kakayahan (May the privileges of our freedom give us the power to be at the service of our country and our conutrymen anywhere in the world),” said the consul general.

The event also showcased some Filipino dishes, Filipino songs sung by select members of the Filipino community such “Ugoy ng Duyan,” “Cariñosa,” at “Ako ay Pilipino,” bugtungan and Pinoy Henyo games, as well as an Arnis demonstration by Arnis Filipin Spor Kulübü or Arnis Filipino Sports Club.

The highlight of this year’s celebration was the illumination of the iconic Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in Philippine flag colors of blue, red, and white for the first time at sundown until the morning of June 13, 2023. Through this initiative, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul aims to raise awareness of the Philippines’ rich heritage and foster unity among diverse communities, as well as its commitment to serving its nationals wherever they are in the world.

As the illumination event also happened on the eve of the 74th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Türkiye (13 June), it also served as a symbolic reminder to the enduring friendship, shared history, and shared aspirations for a brighter future between the Philippines and Türkiye, and the commitment to further strengthening the ties between the two countries.

The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul expresses its deep gratitude to the Turkish government, including the Mınistry of Foreign Affairs, General Directorate of Highways, the Office of the Governor of Istanbul, and all the agencies involved for making this initiative possible.