With the country’s 112th Independence Day just a week away, Filipinos abroad have started celebrating the important occasion.
In Saudi Arabia, month-long celebrations began last Thursday with an international financial literacy briefing held at the lobby of the Philippine Embassy there.
“The financial literacy briefing is part of this year’s celebration which is geared toward reflecting the Filipino identity as well as customs and traditions,” Philippine Ambassador Antonio Villamor said in a report posted on online news site Arab News Friday.
Other activities marking the occasion include a photo exhibit at the embassy’s Mabini Hall. On June 11, a sports and food festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Independence day celebrations in Quebec, Canada in 2009. Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pochy_mcpoch/
“In keeping with projecting the Filipino identity as the main thrust of the celebration, native games will be played instead of basketball and volleyball,” said Vice Consul Roussel Reyes, coordinator of the event.
Aside from these, native Filipino dishes will be available to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) longing for home cooking.
On Independence Day itself, the embassy will hold a flag-raising ceremony at its Liwasang Bonifacio Multipurpose court. A “Konsiyerto ng Kalayaan” (Freedom Concert) will be held in the evening.
Other activities include a film-showing on June 18; an oratorical contest on June 24; and a “Filipino Community Night” at the Riyadh Palace Hotel on June 25.
Celebrations in Jeddah
In Jeddah, the Consulate General started its celebration as early as May 27 with a tennis tournament that will run until June 11.
Consul Leo Tito Ausan Jr. said other activities include a photo and painting exhibit, Migrant Worker’s Day, a tennis tournament, a workshop on protocol and social graces, “Araw ng Watawat” (Flag Day), “Pinoy Fashionista,” and a concert in Yanbu.
More details at GMANews.tv
Loading ...