19 June 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver reported that the Filipino crew on board the cruise ship M/S Celebrity Millennium held an all-Filipino crew party to celebrate the 117^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 13 while the ship was navigating the waters off Hubbard Glacier in Alaska.

The festive atmosphere at the Crew Bar started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Crew Administrator Amado Dalagan Jr. read the Independence Day message of President Benigno Aquino III and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. Ship officials led by the Captain Georgios Iatrou joined the Filipino crew for the celebration. In his message, Captain Iatrou praised the Filipino crew for displaying unity in organizing the special event to commemmorate the country’s independence.  

After the program, the Filipino crew feasted on an all-Filipino cuisine buffet featuring favorite Filipino dishes like Pork Caldereta, Pakbet, Lumpiang Shanghai, Embotido, Pininyahang Manok, and Pancit Bihon prepared by Filipino chefs while bakers showed off their Brazo de Mercedes, Maja Blanca, Ensaymada and Pinoy-style Pandesal. The celebration was capped off by karaoke singing and dancing which lasted until past midnight.

The Celebrity Millennium made a port call in Vancouver last June 05 and was visited by Consulate General personnel for the overseas voting registration. Numbering 304, the Filipino crew comprises the majority of the crew of the Millennium. END