The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon and the Filipino community held a cultural festival on 9 June 2019 at the Collége du Sacré Couer, Gemmayzé to celebrate the 121st Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Migrant Workers day. The festival was made possible in partnership with FILCOORD Lebanon and Collége du Sacré Couer which provided the venue for free, and support of I-Remit and MegaWorld International. A cultural street dance competition was organized by INSAAF, a migrant NGO, and was participated in by five (5) FilCom organizations.
The whole-day event started with a Holy Mass celebrated by Father Henry Ponce, SJ. It was followed by an official program and “salu-salo” of adobo meal packs and pinoy delicacies and drinks prepared and distributed for free by thirty-six (36) Filipino community groups.
In her brief welcome remarks and Kalayaan 2019 greetings, H.E. Ambassador Bernardita L. Catalla highlighted the importance of commemorating the proclamation of the Independence of the Philippines in 1898. She thanked all partners, donors, sponsors and attendees who came to make the celebration meaningful, memorable and enjoyable. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Ajeet-Victor S. Panemanglor read the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., and Labor Attaché Violeta Illescas read the message of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.
The highlight of the program was the mass “Itik-Itik” and “Polka sa Nayon” dance presentation by all female staff of the Embassy led by the Ambassador, with 64 members of Filipino community.
Participating FilCom groups contestants wore colorful costumes in the Cultural Street Dance Competition entertained the estimated 2,000 attendees and performed their well-executed dance movements and formations, representing various festivals in the Philippines.
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