16 June 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, together with the Philippine Association Hong Kong, Philippine Alliance and the Filipino community, celebrated the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 8 at Chater Road with the theme, “Kapangyawan” Friendship Festival. “Kapangyawan,” was coined from the Cantonese word “pangyao” - friend. The festival also celebrated the friendship between the Philippines and Hong Kong.
The festival began with an Interfaith Program which was followed by a Catholic mass officiated by Very Rev. Pierre Minh Lam.
The Department of Tourism Chorale performed religious and patriotic songs during the Interfaith Program and the Catholic mass.
The parade of colors was led by Black Panther Musang, together with the Mindanao Workers Federation (MINFED), who played the marching music. The parade culminated with the singing of the national anthem with the Department of Tourism Chorale.
Acting Head of Consular Post Rosanna Villamor-Voogel began the “Kapangyawan” Friendship Festival with her opening remarks which highlighted the importance of Philippines-Hong Kong friendship.
The “Kapangyawan” Friendship Festival also featured cultural presentations of various folk and street festival dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao as well as performances by the Hong Kong Police Marching Band and the Yeun Long Lion Dancers.
Filipino showbiz personalities Regine Velasquez, Solenn Heusaff, Kakai Bautista, Regina and Ate Gay also flew in to entertain the Filipino community in Hong Kong, courtesy of Smart-PLDT. END