7 August 2014, New York – The 16 Paaralan sa

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL NEW YORK
PRESS RELEASE
PR-MDL-070-14
7 AUG – KDA/OOM
Fun, Friendship, and Bayanihan conclude the 16th Paaralan sa Konsulado
The 24 graduates of Paaralan sa Konsulado 2014 sing “Tagumpay Nating Lahat” as the finale number of the Culminating Activity
held on 02 August 2014 at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall.
7 August 2014, New York – The 16th Paaralan sa Konsulado, with the theme “Makatao,
Makakalikasan, Makabansa at Maka-Diyos” (Humane, Environment-Friendly, Patriotic and GodFearing), concluded its five-week run last August 2 with a high spirited Culminating Activity held at
the Philippine Center that featured its 24 graduating pupils showing what they have learned of
Filipino culture through dance, music, drama and songs.
The culminating activity featured the pupils, aged 4 to 16, rendering folk dances such as
Tinalubang and Sua-Ku-Sua, songs such as “Paa, Tuhos, Balikat, Ulo”, “Bahay Kubo”, “Masdan
Mo” and “Galing ng Pilipino”, and a skit on Filipino indigenous games done in Tagalog. Parents of
the pupils and some of their teachers also presented the dance Habanera Botolena and a “harana”
of the song “Dungawin Mo Sana.” The program closed with a finale performance by the children
and their teachers of “Tagumpay Nating Lahat.”
The Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) is an annual summer activity organized jointly by the Philippine
Consulate General in New York and the Association of Filipino Teachers in America (AFTA). It
consists of classes held from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm for five Saturdays at the Philippine Center that
cover conversational Filipino and Filipino culture, history and geography taught through dance,
music, games, songs, arts and crafts and cuisine. Through this curriculum, PSK aims to
encourage Filipino-American children to put down their Playstations, iPhones, iPads and laptops
and look back to their roots to learn of the richness and beauty of the Philippines and the Filipino
people. It also aims to instill in the pupils’ young minds Filipino values such as respect
(paggalang), industry (sipag), frugality (sinop), thoughtfulness (maalalahanin), dependability
(maasahan), kindness (bait) and relationship values (pakikipagkapwa).
This year, a total of 34 pupils enrolled in PSK that ran from 26 July to 02 August 2014. A highlight
of this year’s PSK was a module on social graces, which was done through a luncheon hosted by
Madame Remedios Fe Cabactulan, spouse of Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN
Libran Cabactulan, at the Ambassador’s official residence. Madame Cabactulan, a former school
teacher and principal of Manila’s Araullo High School, taught the children protocol and social
graces as well as Filipino cuisine in a formal setting. The children were accompanied by some of
the parents and teachers.
Another highlight of this year’s PSK was a story-telling session about Mindanao culture, followed
by a hands-on playing of “kulintang” and other instruments, and a lesson on the ancient martial
arts of Southern Mindanao. This was done in cooperation with Ms. Potri Ranka Manis and her
volunteers from Kinding Sindaw Melayu Heritage
During the Culminating Activity, Deputy Consul General Kira Danganan Azucena expressed the
Philippine Consulate General’s appreciation to the teachers and parents in the implementation of
the PSK project and commended the children for actively participating in PSK. She called on
AFTA to keep track of PSK alumni and gather them to join the Homecoming sa Konsulado
scheduled in November.
The new President of AFTA, Dr. Raul Cahigas, likewise thanked the participants, their parents,
teachers and volunteers, and expressed hope that more participants will join them in the next year.
Also during the Culminating Program, medals were awarded to the Tuklas Talino 2014 winners,
children who exhibited outstanding skills in art. Certificates of Appreciation were also handed to all
pupils, teachers and volunteers.
The program was hosted by two PSK alumni, Samuel Merritt and Nica Garana.
The PSK pupils, together with some parents and
teachers (L photo), were fetéd at a formal luncheon at
the residence of Madame Remedios Fe Cabactulan
(top photo), spouse of Permanent Representative to
the UN Libran Cabactulan, at their official residence.
Madame Cabactulan taught the children about Filipino
cuisine and social graces.
From Left: Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. welcome the pupils and their parents at the Opening Ceremony of PSK
2014 on 27 July 2014 at the Philippine Center. PSK President Dr. Raul Cahigas orient the participants and their parents
of the activities for the next five Saturdays, while Deputy Consul General Kira Danganan Azucena, during her remarks
at the Culminating Activity of PSK 2014 held on 02 August 2014, urge the Association of Filipino Teachers in America
(AFTA) to continue to improve PSK in the years ahead.
Pupils of Group 1, aged 4-6 years old, perform “Bahay Kubo” during the
Culminating Activity of Paaralan sa Konsulado 2014 on 02 August 2014 at the Philippine Center.
Pupils of Group 2, aged 7-10 years old, render the song “Masdan Mo” during the Culminating Activity
of Paaralan sa Konsulado 2014 on 02 August 2014 at the Philippine Center.
Pupils of Group 3, aged 11-16 years old, (L photo) and PSK alumni receive their Certificate of Participation during the
Culminating Activity of Paaralan sa Konsulado 2014 on 02 August 2014 at the Philippine Center.
Group 3 (L photo) sings “Galing ng Pilipino” while Group 2 (R photo) performs the Sua-Ku-Sua Dance
during the Culminating Activity of Paaralan sa Konsulado 2014 on 02 August 2014 at the Philippine Center.
Group 1 performs Tinulabong Dance during the Culminating Activity of Paaralan sa Konsulado 2014
on 02 August 2014 at the Philippine Center.