SFA-AGR-183-08

PHILIPPINES INTRODUCED TO THE LDS LOMAS WARD

PRIMARY STUDENTS

24 March 2008 - Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Antonio M. Lagdameo reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Ms. Divina Trinidad Carolino-Gay-ya, Trade Assistant of the Philippine Embassy delivered a briefing on the Philippines to the LDS Lomas Ward Primary, at the Guadarrama Chapel, Mexico City on 4 March.  The Primary is composed of girls, ages 8-10, majority of whom came from the United States of America.

The briefing, which was graced by the presence of Ward Primary President Alethea Galke, focused on the history, geography, people, government and national symbols of the Philippines. The Wealth of Wonders (WOW) Philippines video was also shown during the event. Food such as "lumpiang shanghai", "pansit" and "carioca" (powdered glutinous rice formed into balls and dipped in melted sugar) was served. The Filipino dishes were savored by the class, the Young Women, the Primary boys, and their respective teachers.

After the presentation, aside from kits on the briefing, pearl earrings were also distributed as tokens to the delight of the children. A grateful parent commented that the token made her daughter feel very special.

According to Ms. Catalina Davis, the teacher in charge, the activity was part of the Primary's project to learn, understand, and appreciate the culture of other countries. Ms. Davis requested Ms. Carolino-Gay-ya to teach her class one of the famous Philippine folk dances, the "Tinikling", as part of their future activities.

Ambassador Lagdameo said that this activity could help introduce and create awareness on the Philippines especially to foreign children at their young age. This would also promote friendly relations among the members of the community and establish good rapport as well as better understanding of each other's culture. END

wingret