Bandar Seri Begawan - A Sense of Asean identity will be among the subjects touched during the nine-day cultural enrichment programme for children offered by the Philippine Embassy during the school holidays starting on Monday.

Resource speakers from the Brunei government and Asean embassies in Brunei will be invited to talk about their country's history and culture, said Minister and Consul Ehtel Vinzon Balatbat yesterday.

Twenty-two Filipino children from six to 14 registered yesterday for the free Filipino language and culture programme to be conducted by volunteer teachers at the Philippine Embassy Chancery from Monday, Sept 14.

The programme aims to teach children born and raised overseas the culture, history, customs and traditions of the Philippines and its Asean neighbours, and how these are embodied in today's global Filipino, said Filipino cultural enrichment class programme head Rowena E Hautea.

Other topics will include kampong games like luksong tinik (jump the spine), patintero (try to cross my line without me touching you), piko (hopscotch), tumbang preso (defending the can from being knocked down), kite flying, food, sports and famous Filipino customs, etiquette and manners, as well as arts, dances and music, mythology and literature, and Filipino culture compared with Asean culture.

Twelve volunteer teachers from ABCFF Women's, Hj Yussof Tuition School, PGGMB Primary and Secondary Schools, and SMS attended yesterday's registration for students and orientation for parents at the Philippine Embassy.

The Filipino language course will start with a flag hoisting ceremony at the Philippine Embassy followed by an address from the Philippine Ambassador to Brunei, Alexander Yano.

Defence and Armed Forces Attache Col Emmanuel G Cacdac will talk on respect for the Philippine flag and the significance of the national anthem.

A brief talk on the country's history and Independence Day will follow.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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