Phnom Penh, 17 June 2024 – In celebration of the 126th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia treated movie goers to indie films titled “Sino ang Gumawa ng Yoyo, Sino ang Gumawa ng Moon Buggy” (Who invented the Yoyo? Who invented the Moon Buggy?) by the highly-acclaimed National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik on 09 June 2024 and “Kites of Taguri” by the talented Dempster Samarita on 16 June 2024.
In her opening message, Philippine Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo reminded the audience that the country’s talented filmmakers and movie goers have Filipino revolutionary heroes to thank for their present-day liberties. “The fruits of genuine freedom have evolved into a responsibility to honor, respect and safeguard that which our revolutionary heroes bled and died for, including the artistic freedom of our film makers to tell wondrous stories and our unfettered access to their creative vision. Through the powerful medium of indie films, we are given more choices to explore and reflect on our identity, history, values and traditions that make us so proud to belong to a Filipino nation,” she remarked.
"Sino ang Gumawa ng Yoyo, Sino ang Gumawa ng Moonbuggy", is a testament to a National Artist’s visionary storytelling as well as the ingenuity and resilience that typify Filipinos. Kidlat Tahimik’s body of works dives beneath the water’s surface then bring to light the diverse cultures that make up the colorful Filipino nation. As the revered father of Philippine independent films, Tatay Kidlat challenges conventional narratives and infuses the cinematic experience with profound insights on the cultural identity of Filipinos. His lens put into sharp focus the importance of anchoring this and future generations on an authentic Filipino core.
Complementing Tatay Kidlat’s piece, "Taguri: the kites of Sulu" by Dempster Samarita, beautifully captures the essence of community, tradition, and the simple joys that define everyday lives. Samarita's storytelling brings to life the vibrant hues and heartfelt emotions that are intrinsic to the Filipino experience.
The film showing is among the celebratory events spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia to pay homage to the heroes of the Philippine revolution. END
PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR SPEAKS AT
WORKSHOP ON "WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN DIPLOMACY”
Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Maria Amelita C. Aquino was one of the panelists at the workshop on “Women Empowerment in Diplomacy” organized by the National Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations (NIDIR) of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Cambodia.
In the roundtable discussion on “Challenges and Opportunities of Women in Senior Positions in Diplomacy and as Female Ambassadors,” Ambassador Aquino shared her experiences and challenges as a woman diplomat, citing the breakthroughs of Filipino women ambassadors in a traditionally male-dominated field. She noted that the first female Philippine Ambassador was appointed in 1958 and assigned to Vietnam and was concurrent non-resident Ambassador to Cambodia and Laos.
Ambassador Aquino highlighted some of the qualities of women that are their strengths in the diplomatic profession and the importance of a woman’s perspective on international issues. She also spoke of the Magna Carta of Women and other regulations that promote the equality and empowerment of women in the Philippines.
The other panelists in the roundtable were Ambassador Carmen Moreno of the European Union, Ambassador Ulku Kocaefe of Turkiye and MFAIC Undersecretary Rath Many.
