AUTHENTICATION
22 July 2013 - Philippine Embassy and Country Team in coordination with the Bayanihan Council, the umbrella group of Filipino community organizations and associations organized the usual month-long activities in celebration of the 115th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Headed by the Filipino leaders or committees of the different organizations and associations, the following activities were held:
07 June 2013
a). The Philippine Embassy, attached agencies and the Bayanihan Council in cooperation with the leaders and members of Filipino organizations participated in the successful Kalayaan Parade, followed by a Film Showing on Important Events that Shaped the Nation, The Philippines--A Land of Wonder & Beauty, Remembering the Great Men & Women of Our Country, Photo & Collage Exhibit, and Cultural Presentation.
12 June 2013
a). The Embassy personnel, attached agencies and other Bayanihan Filipino community leaders of the organizations and associations, in their Filipiniana attire arrived at the Philippine Embassy for the flag-raising ceremony and reading of messages;
b). The Embassy officers and staff headed by
the Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Grace Relucio-Princesa hosted the traditional Filipino breakfast consisting of kamote, pandesal, pansit, puto, salabat with sago, fresh juices, coffee and tea;
c). The Inauguration of the week long Philippine Food Festival and Tourism Promotion (It’s more fun to fly to the Philippines), sponsored by the EMKE Group in partnership with the Philippine Embassy Abu Dhabi held at the Lulu Supermarket, Khalidiya Mall, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;
d). The Ambassador had an interview aired over Abu Dhabi Classic FM radio where I highlighted the significant of the event e.i. Philippines as the, first formally organized constitutional Republic in Asia and first functioning democracy in Asia in the postwar era.
The country celebrates the Independence Day each year to raise awareness among the Filipinos that freedom is the most precious right of every citizen. Below is a link to the said interview and can be downloaded at https://www.dropbox.com/s/vjqty8m5c8cukaj/AGP-ADCFM-120613.mp3
e). The Diplomatic Reception was held at Versailles Ballroom, Le Meridien Hotel, Tourist Club, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al Hidan, Assistant Foreign Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Arab Emirates was the Guest of Honor;
f). Furniture made of abaca and other Philippine wood products were showcased courtesy of Ms. Tini Meyer of Interior 360, the first Filipino furniture and Fine Arts store in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
g). A fashion show which featured creations of Ms. Dita Sandico-Ong, Philippines-based banaca wrap-artist. The presentation showcased various attires made from indigenous fibers- abaca and banana or “Banacas” to bring together the fashion of using both natural fibers and cater to the growing trend of eco-friendly fashion; and
h). Lastly, a performance of the Filipino Singing Painter, Mr. Tom Alvarado.
14 June 2013
a). The Filipino community attended the following free lectures, seminars and workshops held at the Bayanihan Hall, Philippine Embassy namely:
Araling Pangkapaligiran at Araling Pangkalusugan by: FACE;
Araling Pangkaligtasan by I-SAFE; and
Araling Pangkabuhayan by PinoyWISE Movers-UAE.
b). The Philippine Embassy and the Bayanihan Council sponsored the Thanksgiving Mass for the successful holding of the month-long Independence Day Celebration. The mass was celebrated by Filipino priest Fr. Nick and was attended by the Embassy officers and staff and their families, Bayanihan Council and officers & members of the Filipino Community organizations at Saint Joseph Cathedral, Abu Dhabi;
c). Fiestang Pinoy: An Eat-All-You-Can Buffet. A lot of Filipinos came and made it a very successful event. The hotel Chef served authentic Filipino dinner, best dishes and finest Filipino cuisine during the buffet at the Le Meridien Hotel, as their tribute to the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence; and
d). A Night of fun with “Santacruzan”. The Filipino community in Abu Dhabi was able to celebrate, a much anticipated tradition in the Philippines—the “Santacruzan”. It was attended by Filipino overseas workers and their families and friends. It was a joyous occasion participated in by beautiful ladies, and who ladies paraded to the tune of festive music, as two (2) teens from the Embassy.
21 June 2013
a). The Filipino community showed its full cooperation as they volunteered their services to organize the following indoor and outdoor Filipino traditional games or “Palarong Pinoy” held at the Twenty First Private Academy:
The mini-carnival-like auditorium or “perya” games (coin in a box, shoot that ball and shoot that ring);
The indoor games (pulvoron eating contest, barya-barya contest, watermelon eating contest, baso balde relay, jumping relay, longest chain, champions); and
The outdoor games (agaw bitin and pukpuk palayok).
b). PinoyWISE (Worldwide Initiative for Investment, Savings and Entrepreneurship), Seminar-Workshop on Financial Literacy and Addressing Family Issues for Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and Their Families held on 21 June 2013 at the Philippine Consulate General Dubai, U.A.E.
27 June 2013
a). An Art Exhibition Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the artworks of Filipino Singing Painter, Mr. Tom Alvarado, entitled “Ang Inang Bayan, Sketches of Filipino Journey in the UAE”, held at the Philippine Embassy Hall (Ground Floor). The exhibition was a week-long.
The undersigned commenced with an inspirational message and led the ceremonial cutting of ribbon followed by a light dinner.
The night was filled with entertainment as there was a live band.
28 June 2013
The undersigned attended the thanksgiving for the successful Embassy and Bayanihan month-long celebration. She reiterated the four (4) important F’s of the Filipinos:
1. Fun – Tourism;
2. Fiber (Abaca & Banana) and Fashion;
3. Furniture & Fine Arts; and
4. Food. END
OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
