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

Man killed in Yalova over sympathy for Hizmet movement

A 35-year-old man has been killed in Yalova province by a drug addict on the grounds that the victim was a follower of the faith-based Hizmet movement, against which the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared battle since last year, and because he was a critic of Erdoğan.

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Fethullah Gulen

The Muslim religious scholar from Turkey preaches a moderate form of Islam — one that regards terrorism as blasphemy and a woman’s headscarf as secondary to education. Gulen is also a wanted man. He is accused in Turkey of leading a terrorist organization that has attempted to topple the government. A Turkish court has issued three arrest warrants for him.

Witch hunt against the Gülen followers in Europe

Political madness in Turkey is at its peak. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan does not even refrain from using the term “witch hunt” against the Gülen followers. When Erdoğan and his circle don’t find any evidence, they allegedly try to produce evidence. Bureaucrats who don’t want to be part of Erdoğan’s witch hunt have sent letters to the media and prosecutors confessing what they are doing. Unfortunately, what they said in those letters has been confirmed by later developments.

Fethullah Gulen Issues Strong Condemnation of ISIS

As a practicing Muslim deeply influenced by tenets of my faith, I strongly condemn the brutal atrocities of the ISIS terrorist group. Their actions are a disgrace to the faith they proclaim and are crimes against humanity. Religion provides a foundation upon which to establish peace, human rights, freedoms and the rule of law. Any interpretations to the contrary, including the abuse of religion to fuel conflicts, are simply wrong and deceitful.

Global Spying Network: Erdogan’s Worldwide Monitoring of Gülen Supporters

In his desire to convince the world that Gülen is a criminal, Erdogan has been demanding that the U.S. extradite Gülen for months. That also likely explains why the Turkish government is currently collecting information from all over the world. It needs incriminating evidence in order to substantiate the allegations against Gülen.

Does Erdogan really want Gulen in Turkey?

General assumption is that Erdogan is indeed playing a cynical game with the Gulen issue, and also involving the United States in this, in a populist effort aimed at his own constituency in the lead-up to the presidential elections in August, where he is expected to run.

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

The Gülen Movement: Paradigms, Projects and Aspirations

Graduation ceremony of the Turkish school in Senegal

Islamist vs. Islamic

87-year old prisoner gets 11-day solitary confinement for ‘hoping release one day’

Purge accelerates Islamist radicalization in Turkey

Hong Kong Anatolia Cultural & Dialogue Centre, Photography Competition 2015

Turkish Deputy PM Ali Babacan visits Turkish, Japanese schools in Sendai

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News