FILIPINOS IN THAILAND CELEBRATE THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE ON 12 JUNE 2008

The Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in Thailand joined hands once again in organizing a series of lively events to mark the 110th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence. The celebration consisted of several events that began on 12 June and culminated on 15 June 2008.

The commemorative events commenced in the morning of 12 June with a traditional flag-raising ceremony at the Embassy grounds participated in by Embassy personnel, led by Ambassador and Madame Antonio V. Rodriguez, and Filipino community leaders. The Embassy took the opportunity to convey the national day messages of H.E. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo.

The day’s simple rites culminated with a splendid performance at the Thai Cultural Center by the Minstrels of Hope, a budding Philippine choral group composed of 10 underprivileged young female singers bound together by their love for music and dedication to choral art. During their concert, dubbed “Colors of Hope,” the group captured the hearts and imagination of their audience of some 250 Filipinos and Thais with their rendition of Cantate Domino, Eres Tu , Ewan, Waray-Waray, Anak, and Isang Mundo, Isang Awit, Isang Pagibig. The concert was organized by the Thai National Culture Commission in collaboration with the Embassy and the Choral Association of Thailand.

These festivities were followed by the annual Independence Day ball organized by the Association of Filipinos in Thailand held at the Ariston Hotel on 14 June 2008. The gala dinner, which was attended by at least 200 Filipino and foreign guests, featured a performance by Ms. Janice Javier, one of Bangkok’s most sought-after Filipino singers. In his brief address, Ambassador Rodriguez noted AFT’s faithfulness in organizing Philippine Independence Day ball every year. The Ambassador took the opportunity to commend the group for its many laudable projects for the benefit of Filipinos and Thais. He assured them of the Embassy’s support for their endeavors that further bind together the Filipinos in the country, and enhance people-to-people contact between the Philippines and Thailand.

As in previous celebrations since 2003, this year’s commemorative event was highlighted by a 15-hour Filipino fiesta organized by the United Filipinos in Thailand on 15 June 2008. The day begun with a prayer service courtesy of the Kamanlalakbay Pilipino Misyonaryo sa Thailand. The rest of the festive day was replete with impressive performances, such as the cultural presentation by the Association of Cordillerans in Thailand, the group dance to the tune of Orange and Lemons’ Pinoy Ako, Pinoy Tayo by Embassy personnel, the crowning of Mutya ng Kalayaan by Ambassador and Madame Rodriguez, and singing and dancing led by Filipino musical artists in Bangkok.

Volunteers and sponsors from the Filipino and business community complemented the fiesta atmosphere by offering traditional Filipino fare of lechon, arroz caldo, pancit palabok, lumpiang ubod, dinuguan at puto, adobo, kaldereta, pancit, relleno and daing na bangus, lugaw, tokwa’t baboy, and other native desserts such as halo-halo, bibingka, minatamis na saging.  San Miguel Corporation -Thailand generously provided tents, tables and chairs. As the community feasted on native dishes, a photo exhibit by the Photo Enthusiasts Club featuring exemplary Filipinos in Thailand was opened at the Embassy conference room.