On August 28, the Consulates of Georgia and Belarus in the Philippines, led by Consuls (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan and Anna Marie Ablan, respectively, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the College of the Holy Spirit (CHS) for the annual donation and showing of Georgian and Belarusian movies in the school.

Founded in 1913, CHS is one of the most respected educational institutions in the Philippines, with an impressive roster of prominent alumni and partner-stakeholders. Previously an all-girls Catholic school, CHS became co-ed in 2005.

The MOU is part of the ongoing initiatives of the consulates to promote cultural awareness of their countries with Filipino college and university students. The event was attended by officials and students of CHS, officers of the Consulates of Georgia and Belarus, and representatives of corporate sponsor Cardam’s/Mario D’boro.

Consuls Cunanan and Ablan signed the MOU for their respective offices, while CHS was represented by its president, noted educator Dr. Felina C. Young.

Prior to the signing of the MOU, there were several speeches by the officials present. Consuls Cunanan and Ablan, who were introduced by Dr. Melissa Dizon, Public Relations Director of the Georgian Consulate, gave brief introductions to their countries and thanked the officials of CHS for their help and support. They also vowed to promote international friendship and understanding.

For her part, Dr. Young spoke about the school’s deep appreciation for the consular initiative and the need for students to broaden their horizons and be more informed about global events and culture.

Aside from the MOU signing, there was also a screening of short films from the consulates. Consul Cunanan showed “Granny”, a highly-acclaimed animation about the contrast between the modern world and traditional life. The film was provided by the Georgian National Film Center. Consul Ablan, on the other hand, screened “Shoes”, a poignant art film which used symbolism and visual representations to narrate the horrors of the Holocaust and the massacre of the Jews in Europe.

Aside from a collection of short films, the Georgian movies donated to CHS included the masterpieces “Will There be a Theatre Up There?”, “The Other Bank”, and “Keep Smiling”. From Belarus, on the other hand, were “Shoes”, “And Khatyn Will Live On”, and “Belarus. Four Years at War”.

After the event, the officials attended a luncheon hosted by Dr. Young at the CHS Boardroom.