Instituto Cervantes, Spanish Embassy highlight Chabacano at 'Speak Dating' this September 27

Instituto Cervantes and the Spanish Embassy invite the public to join the “European Day of Languages: Speak Dating”, a cultural event happening on September 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at The Concourse, One Ayala (Makati City).

“Speak Dating” gives participants the chance to learn key phrases from different European languages in a lively and interactive format. Through quick one-on-one sessions with native speakers, attendees can explore the linguistic and cultural richness of Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.

Beyond Europe, the celebration also highlights the unique linguistic heritage of the Philippines. One remarkable example is Chabacano, a Spanish-based creole language that developed in the 17th century in Zamboanga and other parts of the country. Today, it is recognized as one of the last surviving Spanish creole languages in Asia.

As part of its goals, Instituto Cervantes actively supports the preservation of endangered Spanish-related languages like Chabacano, helping ensure that they continue to thrive as living symbols of history, identity, and cultural diversity. By including Chabacano in the conversation, the event not only bridges Europe and the Philippines, but also reaffirms the global importance of multilingualism. Instituto Cervantes also shows its support to organizations such as Circle of Chabacano Dreams, whose specific mission is to preserve and celebrate Chabacano Caviteño, and will organize, during the event, the one-on-one sessions with Caviteno native speakers.