Phl Embassy in Buenos Aires Holds Joint Celebration of 113th Independence Day, Rizal’s 150th Birth Anniversary

Friday, 15 July 2011 09:00 Public Information Services Unit
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Forex

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15 July 2011-The Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that a joint celebration of the 113th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence and the 150th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal was held last July 3 with the Filipino community in Argentina and friends of the Philippines in attendance.

The celebration began with a floral offering at the José Rizal Monument at the Paseo de la República de Filipinas along Avenida de los Incas in Buenos Aires, followed by a flag-raising ceremony, thanksgiving mass, a short program, and lunch at the chancery.

During the program, Ambassador Rey A. Carandang read the Independence Day messages from President Benigno S. Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. Announcements were also made on important consular and community matters, as well as the campaign for candidature of the Palawan Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

A tribute to Dr. José Rizal was made by second-generation Filipinos who recited some of his poems in the original Spanish, among them A la Juventud Filipina, A las Flores de Heidelberg and Mi Ultimo Adios.

The Embassy has began involving these second generation Filipinos in activities that enable them to reach out to their Filipino heritage.

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A pop version of Rizal's El Canto de Maria Clara composed by Filipino rock band Camerawalls was also rendered by two singers of the community.

Two Argentine Tango singers gave a special touch to the celebration by singing their version of the Filipino kundiman Maalala Mo Kaya in both Spanish and Tagalog. It was a surprise number that was enthusiastically received by the audience.

Also much appreciated were the dishes expertly prepared by a Filipino chef working for a Saudi Embassy official, with the help of other community members.

In the following days, several members of the Filipino community texted or e-mailed the Embassy personnel to say how much they enjoyed the joint celebration. It was a heartwarming recognition of the Embassy's efforts to maintain close and supportive relations with the Filipino community in Argentina. END

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