A month of celebrations to mark Philippine Independence Day
dubai — With strong patriotic fervour and festivities, Filipino expats across the UAE will commemorate the 120th Philippine Independence Day throughout the month.
Commencing the celebration is a simultaneous raising of the Philippine flag at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai on Tuesday, marking the 120th year of Filipinos declaring their independence from 333 years of Spanish colonial rule. It became the first ever republic to be in all of Asia, in 1898.
“Since it’s a working day, a simple celebration at the Philippine Independence Day will consist of a flag-raising ceremony followed by a short programme at the consulate’s Rizal Hall in Dubai,” said Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes.
A grander celebration will be held on Friday at the Dubai World Trade Centre (Zabeel Hall 1) under the theme ‘Independence 2018: Change We Fought For, An Offering To An Abundant Future.’
“Often, during our National Day events, overseas Filipinos are asked to take stock of what we have achieved as a people after 120 years since the nation’s birth, and what we envision our next generation to be. We are tasked to visualise where we are and what we hope to be. Such introspection allows us to contemplate more deeply into the core of our psyché. It helps us identify what needs to be worked on, allowing us to continuously move forward in an increasingly competitive society,” Cortes said in a message to Khaleej Times.
Creative entertainment
Joel Foronda, chair of this year’s Philippine Independence Day organising committee, said thousands of kababayans are expected to attend the celebration in Dubai, starting at 7am with a motorcade from the consulate grounds to the event venue.
Admission is free and exciting events have been lined up, including
Filipinos are asked to take stock of what we have achieved as a people after 120 years since the birth of our nation, and what we envision our next generation to be.” Paul Raymund Cortes, Philippine Consul-General
hip-hop dance competition, battle of the bands, a beauty pageant and fruits, vegetable and chocolate-carving competitions.
Foronda said job seekers will also get a chance to submit their CVs at the annual job fair (Tulong sa Paghahanap ng Mapapasukan).
“The creativity of Pinoys will likewise be highlighted in the event. ‘Hataw Pinoy’ will set the bar with heart-pumping routines from participating hip-hop groups. Artistry will be recognised in the on-the-spot painting contest while a chocolate, fruit and vegetable carving competition and a new segment called ‘Flair and Mixology’ will acknowledge Filipino excellence in the food and beverage industry,” the organisers added.
Filipino music will also be celebrated as winners of the ‘Himig ng mga Bagong Bayani’ — Gian Sauler (kids category), Ivy Grace Aguilar (novice) and Ireneo Dulatre (senior) — will give special performances. Eight groups will clash in the ‘Battle of the Bands’, including Alagad ni Kalantiao, Section 42, Kultura, Curious Juan, Aswang de Makina, Smooth, Rodigals and K8 Screw and ‘Musicapella’ will bring acapella groups to compete. Another highlight is the competition for the crown of ‘Hiyas ng Pilipinas’, while celebrities from the Philippines including Martin Nievera, dubbed in the entertainment industry as ‘the Philippine Concert King’, and singer-actress Arci Muñoz will join the celebrations to entertain the Filipino expat community.
Meanwhile, Ronald Precilla, chairman of the Philippine Independence Day and vice-chairman of the Bayanihan Council in Abu Dhabi, said the main celebration in the Capital will take place on June 29 at the National Theatre Abu Dhabi. “There is also an ongoing basketball tournament under the Ambassador’s Cup at the Emirates Heritage Club and Kabayan Night Swimming at Yas Waterworld on June 22,” Precilla added.