18 June 2015 – Philippine Consul General in Agana Marciano R. de Borja hosted his first national day vin d’honneur and reception as Head of Post at the Holiday Resort and Spa on June 12. The event, which commemorated the 117th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, was attended by close to 200 guests headed by Lt. Gov. Raymond Tenorio, who attended on behalf of Guam Governor Eddie Baza Calvo.
In his remarks, Consul General De Borja spoke of the long shared history between Guam and the Philippines and how succesive waves of Filipino immigrants to the island have contributed to the development and prosperity of Guam. He also emphasized how economic developments in the Philippines bode well for closer economic ties between Guam and the Philippines.
Responding on behalf of the Guam Governor, Lt. Governor Raymond Tenorio said that Filipinos in Guam have distinguished themselves as leaders at all levels and in various sectors of Guam society. He noted in particular the achievements of Presiding Judge Alberto C. Lamorena III and Judge Maria Teresa B. Cenzon in the judiciary, Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez Jr., Senator James V. Espaldon, and Senator Nerissa Bretania Underwood in the legislature, Mr. Mark Pangilinan and Mr. Emelio Uy in the private sector, and several other notable individuals of Filipino ancestry who have contributed to making Guam a stronger island community.
Earlier in the program, Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian read the Independence Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III.
The evening also featured a stirring performance by the Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores Church Una Voce Choir led by its musical director Mr. Norman Babia. The choir’s four-part performance expressed the musicality, spirituality, patriotism, sacrifice, and sense of community of the Filipino. Among the musical pieces the group performed were Ryan Cayabyab’s “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” Andres Bonifacio’s “Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa,” and Jose Rizal’s “La Deportacion.”
The national day vin d’honneur and reception was just one of the many highlights in the line up of activities and events for the month of June, which was also declared as Philippine Independence Month in Guam by a proclamation issued by Governor Calvo on June 1. END