Deputation spreads Pinoy Yuletide cheer for the Hague’s diplomatic corps, friends
ANIGHT of joyous fellowship and festive Christmas music reflected the Filipino way of celebrating the Yuletide season at the much-anticipated “Himig ng Pasko:
A Christmas Concert,” which was hosted by the Philippine Embassy in this city of the Netherlands.
The concert featured the Nightingales—a duo of Bernadette Mamauag and Katrina Marie Saga. They have been enthralling audiences around the world—including those from the United States, Canada, China, Africa and Europe with their wide-ranging repertoire of opera arias, Broadway classics, folksongs and popular standards—all performed in their unique bel canto style of singing.
In his remarks at the embassy’s Kalayaan Hall, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya shared that the concert “is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for [the] support, kind understanding, and for being part of our collective work this year…we hope that through the wonderful music of the Nightingales, we can help spread the joys and cheers of the Yuletide season and convey our heartfelt appreciation.”
In a surprise number, Malaya took to the piano and accompanied the pair in singing “Pasko Na Sinta Ko” (It’s Christmas, My Dear).
Filipino-dutch artist Sarah Jane Verouden also provided a piano intermezzo of traditional Christmas carols.
Thai Ambassador Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Nataya said that the concert was a “fascinating performance which showcased the excellent performance of Philippine artists.”
“It [was] indeed a great way to start the Christmas celebration. I also felt the very warm hospitality of the embassy officers and staff,” the envoy added.
“It was a lovely concert in a nicely renovated embassy chancery,” remarked Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, managing director of the Common Fund for Commodities.
Fr. Sjaak de Boer delivered a Christmas message that underscored the importance of “taking care of our shared earth and fellow…which [are] not only measured in material gain, but of people’s happiness.”
The event was capped off by the community singing of the popular Christmas song: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. It was held in collaboration with the Music for Environment and National Development, as well as the Philippines netherlands Business Council.
Well-attended by members of the diplomatic corps, key officials from the Dutch government and other international organizations based in the Hague, the event was the embassy’s way of conveying thanks and appreciation to those who extended support to its initiatives and programs for 2022.