19 June 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Oslo led the celebrations for the 117th anniversary of Philippine Independence in Norway. On June 12, the Philippine Embassy and the Mekeni Group sponsored an Independence Day thanksgiving mass at St. Olav’s Cathedral facilitated by Rev. Fr. Amando Bergantino Alfaro Jr. followed by a dinner reception at St. Olav’s auditorium. During the dinner reception, Philippine Ambassador to Norway Bayani S. Mercado, delivered the Independence Day Message of President Benigno Aquino III.
The following day, Ambassador Mercado and Embassy personnel also led the parade around Oslo’s city center which ended at Youngstorget where the Filipino Community in Norway was holding their celebrations.
Throughout the day, Filipino food was available in stands. Classical and modern Filipino music and dances were presented in Youngstorget. The Philippine Embassy was also on hand to offer travel information to the Philippines for prospective tourists.
Ambassador Mercado also reminded Filipinos in Norway of their civic duty and encouraged them to register as overseas voters (OV) for the 2016. He informed them that OV registration was being conducted at the Embassy booth in Youngstorget that day and at the Embassy Consular section daily during office hours.
The Philippines declared its independence from Spain on the 12th of June 1898 after approximately 300 years of colonial rule. END