PR-02-2023
28 January 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Alumni in Victoria (UPAV) and Philippine Language School, celebrated Children’s Day on 28 January 2023 through Filipino storytelling, songs, and games at the Consulate General. 30 Children aged from ages 1 to 13, together with their parents and guardians participated in the event.
Ms. Janeca Gross, current president and convenor of UPAV hosted the event. She suggested to the young audience to enrich their childhood as this shapes your future. “So raise your voice, express yourself and remember your culture.”
Consul-General Maria Lourdes Salcedo gave her opening remarks and delivered a message about the importance of a happy childhood and family life. This was followed by a storytelling session by Anna Manuel of Heads and Tales Storytelling entitled “Alon” in Japanese kamishibai style (paper theater), which imparted important lessons of proper waste disposal and looking after the environment. She then taught the children storytelling through drawing when she narrated care and love for pets followed by storytelling using a string with some facial expressions.
Ms. May Red Zafra of Tagalog Learning Incorporated, for her part, used a book entitled “Taho, Taho, Taho… Tahooooieyy” in narrating Filipino values and family traditions followed by teaching of the song “One Day Isang Araw” by Teacher Catherine P. Yap of the Philippine Language School in Victoria, Inc. (PLSVI). Ms. Perla Luetic the president and principal of PSLVI showed how tumbang preso is played.The children were given goody bags and afternoon snacks or merienda of Filipino staples including taho, samalamig, ensaymada and pancit.
The Consulate also invited Ms. Ms Rosa Almencion, a mommy YouTuber and considered as an official vlogger of the Consulate for her continued support and by actively sharing the Consulate’s events in her YouTube channel particularly the Online Fiesta Filipinas Episodes. Below is the video link prepared by Ms. Almencion for the Children’s day celebration at the Consulate:
Children’s Day at the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne | Rosa All Day
The Philippines celebrates Children’s Week in the fourth week of January by spreading awareness about the 12 Rights of the Child as declared under Presidential Decree No. 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code of the Philippines.
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