Turkish cultural day in the Philippines


Date posted: December 13, 2013

Manila, the Philippines

A Turkish cultural promotion event took place in the capital Manila, the Philippines. The event featured traditional Turkish dance performances, food, music, and a photography exhibition along with screenings on Turkey’s natural and historical attractions.

Under the auspices of Mandaluyong Governor, Benjamin C. Abalos, the event was attended by over one hundred Filipinos and a large number of Turks, including general manager and high school principal of Fountain International Schools, Malik Gencer and Mehmet Cetin respectively; Pacific Dialogue Foundation President, Ferhat Kazkondu; Turkish Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Irfan Karabulut accompanied by numerous Turkish and Filipino businessmen.

Governor Abalos, in his address, touched on Turkey’s thriving economy, education and rich history. He noted Fountain International Schools with their distinctive approach to education has strengthened the Filipino education system. The governor additionally said they as Filipinos once again witnessed how altruistic and considerate Turkish people are, seeing the aid they provided in the typhoon-hit regions. He expressed his thanks to Turks for their support.

Mandaluyong would like to import Turkish education system to the Philippines and thus cooperate with the local Turkish schools and those in Turkey, the governor revealed. They already kicked off the groundwork, he added.

Next, Turkish Chamber of Commerce President, Irfan Karabulut said, “We’ve organized various events promoting the Philippines in seven Turkish metropolis, with the participation of local state officials and businessmen. The conferences to date have attracted 1,740 attendees in total.” Speaking of the Turkish companies operating in the Philippines, the chamber aspires to invest in Mandaluyong too, he added.

As highlights of the event, Filipino students of Fountain International Schools performed traditional Turkish dances and songs. Moreover, Jose Rizal University students gave a traditional Tinikling performance. The attendees enjoyed the Turkish food and traditional handicrafts exhibition.

Source: Hizmet Movement , December 13, 2013


Related News

GYV slams government attempt to silence critics with recent measures

The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) expresses that the interim Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government is continuing to use terror cases in an attempt to silence critical press.

Turkey Is No Longer a Reliable Ally

The U.S. and Turkey have faced difficult days before, such as after Turkey’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus and the 2003 American invasion of Iraq, yet American and Turkish leaders managed to find their way back. This time will be different. The failed coup was a clarifying moment. Ankara and Washington don’t share values or interests.

Turkey should compensate abused Nigerian students

The recent unjustified arrest, detention, traumatization and subsequent release of 50 Nigerian students in Turkey by that country’s government must rank as a most unfortunate low in the Nigerian – Turkish relations. Seen in context, it constitutes an instance of unjustified victimization of innocent foreigners, out of misplaced grudge by a government that had no cause for such act of indiscretion.

Erdogan in Africa: Gulen and trade ties

Erdogan wants the Gulen-linked schools in Africa to be closed down, yet they are the very educational establishments which are popular with Africa’s middle class. They are an inexpensive alternative to French schools. If parents send their children to Turkish schools, it is not because the schools are Turkish, but because they employ good teachers. Africa’s middle class want good schools.

Anti-police operation is gov’t attempt to take revenge for graft probe

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has recently been engaged in a bitter fight with the Hizmet movement. This conflict intensified after Dec. 17, 2013, when a major graft operation targeting government ministers and connected businessmen became public. The prime minister claims the operation was orchestrated by the Hizmet movement in an effort to overthrow his government. However, he has not provided any evidence to prove this claim, and the movement denies the accusation.

Father says wife, 11-month-old son under arrest despite medical problems

Cengiz Zaza Akbaba, the husband of Gulistan Diken Akbaba said in a recent video that his wife and 11-month-old son have been under arrest despite the babies medical problems. “This child is only one of 560 children. Now, 560 children are not allowed to touch the soil, not allowed to see the sun,” Akbaba added.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

Erdoğan’s personal propaganda tool, the MGK

Turkey’s first private Arabic station starts to broadcast

GYV calls on government to respect judiciary amid corruption probe

Doctors In Turkey discouraged from writing up reports on abuse, torture

Hizmet without borders

Third suspicious disappearance in a week: Teacher dismissed in post-coup crackdown not seen for 14 days

Gülen’s ideas address the entire world

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News