The Embassy of the Philippines in Wellington, New Zealand, in coordination with the Society for Southeast Asian Communities, celebrated Buwan ng Wika (Philippine Language Month) by conducting a Filipino Language Course for Beginners at the Philippine Embassy from 10 August 2016 to 31 August 2016. Buwan ng Wika, celebrated in the Philippines every August, serves to promote the national language of the Philippines, Filipino.

Ms. Matilde Tayawa Figuracion of the Society for Southeast Asian Communities along with volunteer teachers, Ms. Mayie Pagalilauan and Ms. Jaja Reyes, made learning the basics of Filipino fun, friendly, and easy. The volunteer teachers applied a practical focus on the lessons with carefully-paced explanations, simple conversations, cultural information, and fun activities such as learning popular children’s songs.

The fifteen (15) participants of the 2016 Filipino Language Course for Beginners enjoyed the Filipino lessons which culminated in a cooking class where the participants learned how to cook pancit, the classic Pinoy noodle dish.

On the final day of the Language Course, Ambassador Jesus S. Domingo presented the participants with certificates to celebrate the completion of course. Ambassador Domingo also presented Ms. Figuracion, Ms. Pagalilauan, and Ms. Reyes with Certificates of Appreciation for their generosity in taking time to organize the course as well as in volunteering to teach the course.