PH Consulate General in Barcelona Hosted Buwan ng Wika 2025 Celebration with Tribute to Filipino Language Heritage
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro welcomes guests to the “Pagdiriwang ng Panitikan sa mga Wika ng Pilipinas” Buwan ng Wika 2025 celebration
BARCELONA 18 August 2025 — In a moving tribute to the Philippines’ rich literary and linguistic heritage, the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona hosted Pagdiriwang ng Panitikan sa mga Wika ng Pilipinas—a “Buwan ng Wika” 2025 celebration last 12 August 2025 that brought poetry, music, and national pride to life.
The celebration gathered second- and third-generation Filipino youth who delivered poems in Ilocano, Tagalog, Bicolano, and Cebuano—each highlighting the distinct voices of the regions they represent.
“The event is not only a celebration of literature but also a call to action for language and culture preservation within the diaspora community,” said Philippine Consul General Lazaro, underscoring the importance of maintaining cultural identity among young Filipinos abroad.
In a symbolic gesture, parents of the participating readers also helped explain the cultural roots of their languages to the audiences.
The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino’s online dictionary (https://kwfdiksiyonaryo.ph/) was likewise introduced, giving participants a resource to explore the depth and diversity of Filipino vocabulary at their fingertips.
A stirring performance of the patriotic song Isang Lahi sung by Lieyne Mendoza resonated deeply with the audience, capturing the spirit of unity and national pride.
Catalonia-based Filipino social media influencer Jellyn Dimaculangan Guerra, also known as “Pinay sa Barcelona”, joined by her daughter Júlia Dimaculangan Vińallonga, concluded the event by leading the crowd in a stirring communal recitation of Dr. José Rizal’s Sa Aking Mga Kabata.
With its focus on language, literature, and heritage, the event achieved its goal of reconnecting second- and third-generation Filipinos to their cultural roots. More than a cultural showcase, the Consulate’s initiative stood as a heartfelt reminder that wherever Filipinos are in the world, our language and literature live on through our youth. END
Angelita Grace Rafanan and Antonette Genesis Rafanan recite the Ilokano poem “Ugali Ken Sursuro ti Kaamaan a Napuotak”
Left: Cody Damian declaims the Tagalog poem “Kabayanihan”; Right: Ruche Alyssa Mora and Richelle Mora deliver the Bikol poem “An Pamilya, An Gabos”
Left: Darla Jan Belleza beams with pride as she recites a Cebuano poem “Kadlawon sa Pasil” ; Right: Lieyne Mendoza regals the audience with her rendition of Isang Lahi (Photo by Alexis Lahorra)
Jellyn Dimaculangan Guerra and daughter Júlia Dimaculangan Vińallonga lead the audience in the communal recitation of “Sa Aking mga Kabata”
Vloggers and influencers who covered the event with Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay
Participants and guests to the Buwan ng Wika 2025 program
For more information,visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/.
