BEIRUT - The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), hosted a film showing for the Filipino Community in Lebanon on 21 May 2023 in celebration of the National Heritage Month (NHM).

  Photos: Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat welcomes the Filipino community in Lebanon and joins them in watching the film.

Led by H.E. Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat, the Embassy commemorated the 20th anniversary of the National Heritage Month by inviting the Filipino Community to watch the film, Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo at the Embassy’s showroom. The venue was turned into a film viewing area replicating a movie theater for a better viewing experience.

Ambassador Balatbat expressed his appreciation to all the participants who attended the event. He also highlighted the importance of celebrating National Heritage Month, its beginnings, and purpose in instilling Filipino values, traditions, and heritage. Ambassador Balatbat assured the participants that the Embassy will continue to organize similar activities that will further enhance awareness of Filipino culture in Lebanon.

The film Patintero, provided by FDCP, was about Meng Francisco’s story set in the city of San Jose where patintero, a traditional Philippine game, is their way of life, a heritage in its own right. It is a film that depicts Filipino values such as honesty, fairness, perseverance, and close family ties. The film brought laughter and heartwarming moments to the audience as Meng's character developed throughout the film.

After the film showing, the Embassy and OWWA personnel, together with around forty (40) Filipino nationals and their families, enjoyed Filipino food.

The National Heritage Month is celebrated every May by virtue of the Presidential Proclamation No. 439, s. 2003. This year’s theme, “Heritage: Change and Continuity” emphasizes the dynamic nature of heritage as a field that is constantly changing so that it can achieve its objective of preserving human creativity. Though shifts and changes are ever present, this also highlights how heritage endures.

Photo: Philippine Embassy and OWWA personnel and the Filipino community in Lebanon with (seated from L-R) Cultural Officer Rose Anne F. Dalumpines, Vice Consul Miko D. Cabatingan, Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat and Vice Consul Glaiza M. Quarteros.