01 July 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi and the Filipino community in Kenya were in a festive mood as they celebrated the 116th Declaration of Philippine Independence at the premises of the Embassy on June 15. This year’s celebration centered on the theme, “Kalayaan 2014: Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakang Pagbabago.”
The event began with a Thanksgiving Mass concelebrated by Fr. Eusebio Manangbao and Fr. Narciso Cellan, both of the Society of the Divine World. Sister Lilian Curaming, OMI and Summiya Cimen in turn led the Ecumenical Service.
After the flag ceremony, Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. Donna Celeste D. Feliciano-Gatmaytan welcomed the Filipino community who attended the event and delivered the Independence Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III. While the Independence Day message of the Vice-President Jejomar Binay and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario were read by Mr. Romeo dela Cruz (Filipino community president) and Attaché Manuel Oira III.
The Chargé d’ Affaires, in her inspirational message in the Filipino language, reminded the Filipinos in Kenya that our national heroes were heroes because they practiced bayanihan. They were willing to give their time, talents, courage and even their own life for the country. She encouraged everyone to dedicate their time, talents, and if necessary, even their own lives for the service of our country.
“Ang bayani pala ay yung handang magsakripisyo para sa Inang Bayan – para sa kapwa. Handa po ba tayo na makipag-bayanihan? Handa po ba tayo na magbuwis ng ating oras, talino, talento, lakas, katapangan at buhay para sa ating Inang Bayan?” She ended her speech saying that: “Kasama ng ating Pangulo at mga pinuno ng ating bayan, nawa’y isipin natin sa bawa’t araw ng ating buhay kung paano tayo magiging bayani - kung paano at ano ang ating maaring ibigay sa ating bayan – sa ating kapwa Pilipino.”
The Embassy personnel and the Filipino community shared a sumptuous meal of famous Filipino cuisine favorites like lechon, pancit, dinuguan, papaitan, humba, ginisang monggo and cassava cake.
Young Kenyan dancers from Shauri Moyo Parish Youth awed the audience as they performed two Filipino folk dances, Zamboanga and the Kazadoratan under the direction of Fr. Benny Quinto. Their splendid performance was followed by another lively Kenyan dance where they even encouraged the audience to join them.
Kids enjoyed the festivities as they participated in a series of games such as Pabitin, “Bring me”, “Longest line” and “Soda-drinking contest”. Their mental skills were also challenged in Pinoy Henyo where parents and children matched intellectual skills in answering questions on Philippine history. Adults also had their fun as couples joined the Basagan ng Itlog and Saluhan ng Itlog.
As the program came to an end, all fathers present on that day were honored by their kids who gave heartwarming speeches, affectionate kisses and sweet chocolates.
The Embassy also conducted a day-long overseas voters registration, disseminated information on measures to avoid Polio and MERS-CoV, and encouraged the attendees to vote for the City of Vigan as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. END