Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes is photographed with the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand, H.E. Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi (second to the left), Dr. Pichet Phophakdee, Secretary-General of the Thai National Commission for UNESCO (third to the left) and other esteemed guests
BANGKOK, 22 FEBRUARY 2025 - The Philippine Embassy had the honor to showcase Dr. Jose Rizal’s Filipino poem, “Sa Aking Mga Kabatà,” during the multilingual poetry recital hosted by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Bangkok on 22 February 2025, at the joint celebration of the International Mother Language Day, and Language Movement Day.
Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes attended the recital event, along with the Philippine Embassy’s poet representative, Ms. Maria Paz S. Samelo, a member of the Filipino community in Thailand.
Ms. Maria Paz S. Samelo, a member of the Filipino Community and a poet, reciting the poem “Sa Aking Mga Kabatà” by Dr. José Rizal
“Sa Aking Mga Kabatà,” as introduced by Ms. Samelo, aims to “urge Filipinos to cherish their native language and culture as a symbol of national identity, emphasizing its importance in achieving freedom and expressing love for one’s nation.” As the only participant to recite from memory, Ms. Samelo’s remarkable performance received praise from both guests and fellow poets in attendance.
With the theme “Language Matters, Poetry Nurtures,” the event brought together guests of various nationalities to celebrate and enjoy an afternoon of cultural exchange in the form of poetry and music, expressed through different languages. END
Ambassador Paredes writing “Wika, Tula, Kapayapaan” the Filipino translation of “Language, Poetry, Peace”
Ambassador Paredes with Ms. Samelo
