In simple ceremonies held at the Grounds of the Marianas Business Plaza on June 13, Philippine Consul General to Saipan Medardo G. Macaraig led members of the Filipino community and guests in the flag-raising ceremony.
Ms. Michelle Villarasa gave a patriotic rendition of the national anthem while Mr. Jose Sto. Domingo of the Consulate led Filipinos in the solemn recitation of the Panunumpa sa Watawat.
Fr. Celso Magbanua led the Invocation for the Creator's blessings. Ms. Olive Yana, President of the United Filipino Organizations (UFO), welcomed guests at the gathering.
Consul General Macaraig read the Independence Day message of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Similarly, the messages of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of Labor and Employment and the Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration were read by officials of the Consulate.
In his first Independence Day celebration in Saipan, Consul General Macaraig addressed the crowd that numbered close to 500 people consisting of federal and local officials, business executives, and members of the Filipino community in Saipan.
Among the notable attendees were Consul Tsutomo Higuchi of Japan, Federal Ombudsman Pamela Brown, CNMI Labor Hearing Officer Barry Hirschbein, officials of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Mr. Joe Ayuyu of McDonalds Saipan, Mr. Eli Arago of Tan Holdings, and Mr. Raby Syed of the United Workers Movement.
Consul General Macaraig exhorted all Filipinos to continue the noble work of Filipino heroes and praised the skill and work ethic of overseas Filipinos that have contributed to the progress and development of countries around the world.
The Consul General also thanked the CNMI for the opportunities that have been given to Filipinos through all these decades. He mentioned that the CNMI can count on Filipinos to continue to work, side by side with the Chamorro, Carolinian and other friends, for the progress and development of the Northern Marianas.
The main feature of the event was the breakfast prepared by the Culinary Arts and Baking Class of the Consulate, POLO and OWWA. The members of the class regaled the crowd with their culinary expertise under the expert tutelage of Filipino Chef Hermie Coronejo of Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan.
Gourmet dishes consisting of international cuisine welcomed the attendees. Apart from the sumptuous cuisine, fruit carvings and a display of curtains and throw pillows from the Home Décor Class also brightened up the event.
In other Independence Day related events, prayers for the Philippines and the Filipino people were offered during Catholic Masses at the Mount Carmel Cathedral in Saipan, at the San Francisco de Borja Church in Rota, at the San Jose Church in Tinian, and at the Kristo Rai Church in Saipan.
The prayers were also invoked during the Sunday Worship Services of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Jesus is Lord Movement, Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ, and other Christian Churches.
On June 13, the Fil-Taga Golfers Association also hosted the Philippine Independence Day Open Golf Tournament at the Coral Ocean Point Golf Resort.
The same association also hosted a Fund Raising Banquet to raise funds for Karidat Social Services and for the expenses of R.J. Macaranas, a junior golfer from CNMI, who qualified for the Junior Golf World Championship that will be held in California in July.
The Emon Lodge No. 179 of Saipan, headed by the Master of the Lodge Eli Buenaventura, hosted a flag-raising ceremony on June 12 at the Coral Ocean Point Country Club in Saipan. The Consul General and CNMI Governor Benigno Fitial led guests during the ceremony.
The annual gathering of Filipinos PISTANG PINOY was held at the Susupe Civic Center in Saipan. Led by Ms. Olive Yana, President of the United Filipino Organizations (UFO), Filipinos gathered at the venue to celebrate Independence Day and mingle with fellow Filipinos and friends and enjoy the program consisting of several cultural numbers. Several booths served food, commemorative shirts and other paraphernlia. END
