11 December 2022,  The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, led by H.E. Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat, together with the Filipino Community, organized the Paskong Pinoy 2022 on 11 December 2022.

       Photos: Paskong Pinoy 2022 held at St. Francis Church in Hamra, Beirut.

The event was held at the St. Francis Church in Hamra as it commenced with a Filipino mass celebrated by Fr. Agustin Advincula and assisted by Fr. Elie Rahme. It was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open this year’s Paskong Pinoy celebration, Christmas carol performances, food distribution, and a raffle draw.

In his year-end address, Ambassador Balatbat highlighted the activities, projects, and repatriation programs conducted by the Philippine Embassy in 2022 and thanked the Filipino Community’s continuous support to the Embassy’s programs. These activities include the 2022 Philippine National Elections, the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers, the repatriation of 175 distressed OFWs, and the total number of Consular documents, Balik-Manggagawa, and OWWA memberships processed within the year. 

       Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat (center) with the Filipino community officially opening Paskong Pinoy 2022

The Filipino Community prepared classic Christmas dishes and decorated their food booths made from recycled materials where the top three booths were awarded cash prizes. A total of twelve (12) groups delighted the audience with their talents in performing Christmas carols.

                                                              Some of the performances by the Filipino Community.

Photos: Winning booths with Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat, Vice Consul Glaiza M. Quarteros, and Welfare Officer Mary Catherine O. Pastor.

This year’s Paskong Pinoy is the first Christmas celebration that the Embassy and the Filipino Community in Lebanon organized since 2018. More than 1,000 participants joined the celebration and prepared food and cultural presentations for everyone. Paskong Pinoy 2022 is a testament to Filipinos’ strong sense of community during the Christmas season -  a time of joy, giving, and kindness. END.

 Photos: Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat (center) and the Philippine Embassy personnel after the Paskong Pinoy 2022 at St. Francis Church, Hamra.

(Photos courtesy of Beirut PE and Summer Rain Channel).