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Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO CELEBRATES “BUWAN NG WIKA” AT BERNHARD MOOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(Left) (Left) Ms. Cabalona sings “Paa, Tuhod, Balikat, Ulo” with students. (Photo credit: Daryll Baculio)(Right) Ms. Duran-Mortel teaches Filipino words. (Photo credit: Ragan Maning)
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in celebration of “Buwan ng Wika” or Filipino Language Month, hosted a fun-filled afternoon for forty-two (42) 3rd Grade students of the Bernhard Moos Elementary School on 30 August 2024. The event was held at the school’s Mosaic Room with the assistance and support of the Filipino Chicago Public School (CPS) teachers, led by Mr. Daryll Baculio.
The activity was designed to be an educational yet enjoyable encounter with the Filipino language by highlighting its beauty and shared history with the predominantly Latino students. The program began with an interactive sing-along session led by Ms. Lou Ella Cabalona, a Filipino singer and one of the founding members of “The Greatest Filipino Songbook” band. Ms. Cabalona taught the students the Filipino children’s song “Paa, Tuhod, Balikat, Ulo,” a song similar to the English song “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”.
Following the musical session, the Consulate General’s Cultural Officer, Mary Joy Duran-Mortel, gave a short lesson on words commonly used by Filipinos in day-to-day conversation including loan words of Spanish origin in order to introduce a cultural connection between the predominantly Latino students and our local language. Afterwards, the students participated in a “Design-Your-Own-Bag” arts and crafts activity, where students incorporated Filipino words in designing their tote bags.
Ms. Lacson likewise fielded questions on her inspiration for her books, her journey as a book writer, and her future plans. She expressed her gratitude for the support from her family, friends, and the Filipino community, and emphasized the importance of storytelling in connecting people across cultures.
To end the program, the Consulate treated the students, teachers and volunteers with meals from Jollibee. Each student also received a loot-bag filled with Filipino snacks to bring home and introduce to their families.
The “Buwan ng Wika” celebration was a resounding success in promoting the Filipino language through music and art. END
Students having fun designing their tote bags. (Photo credit: Mary Joy Duran-Mortel)
3rd Grade students with their Design-Your-Own-Bags. (Photo credit: Ragan Maning)
Officer and staff of Chicago PCG pose with co-organizers CPS teachers, and Ms. Cabalona
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in celebration of “Buwan ng Wika” or Filipino Language Month, hosted a fun-filled afternoon for forty-two (42) 3rd Grade students of the Bernhard Moos Elementary School on 30 August 2024. The event was held at the school’s Mosaic Room with the assistance and support of the Filipino Chicago Public School (CPS) teachers, led by Mr. Daryll Baculio.
The activity was designed to be an educational yet enjoyable encounter with the Filipino language by highlighting its beauty and shared history with the predominantly Latino students. The program began with an interactive sing-along session led by Ms. Lou Ella Cabalona, a Filipino singer and one of the founding members of “The Greatest Filipino Songbook” band. Ms. Cabalona taught the students the Filipino children’s song “Paa, Tuhod, Balikat, Ulo,” a song similar to the English song “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”.
Following the musical session, the Consulate General’s Cultural Officer, Mary Joy Duran-Mortel, gave a short lesson on words commonly used by Filipinos in day-to-day conversation including loan words of Spanish origin in order to introduce a cultural connection between the predominantly Latino students and our local language. Afterwards, the students participated in a “Design-Your-Own-Bag” arts and crafts activity, where students incorporated Filipino words in designing their tote bags.
Ms. Lacson likewise fielded questions on her inspiration for her books, her journey as a book writer, and her future plans. She expressed her gratitude for the support from her family, friends, and the Filipino community, and emphasized the importance of storytelling in connecting people across cultures.
To end the program, the Consulate treated the students, teachers and volunteers with meals from Jollibee. Each student also received a loot-bag filled with Filipino snacks to bring home and introduce to their families.
The “Buwan ng Wika” celebration was a resounding success in promoting the Filipino language through music and art. END