Philippine Independence Day Celebrated in Norway
Philippine Ambassador Enrico T. Fos and Madame Myla Fos (sixth and fifth from left), join the leaders of the Filipino Independence Day Committee in Stavanger in this photo.
OSLO 13 June 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Oslo was present in three events on 07 June 2025 to celebrate the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence—two in Oslo and one in Stavanger.
In Stavanger, Philippine Ambassador Enrico T. Fos witnessed the revival of the celebration of Philippine Independence Day there when the Philippine Independence Day Committee (PIDC) organized a cultural show and Filipino food bazaar at Hundvåghallen in Hundvåg.
It has been five years since the last Philippine Independence Day event was organized in Stavanger, undertaken by the late Philippine Honorary Consul to Stavanger Renee Saga Ikdal. This year, the event was spearheaded by the newly organised PIDC headed by Ms. Jesica Facturan, in cooperation with the Embassy.
In his remarks, Ambassador Fos paid tribute to the late Philippine Honorary Consul Ikbal. He also expressed appreciation to the PIDC for selflessly giving their time and resources to organize the event, emphasising that they did it “Para sa Bayan” in an unwavering display of patriotism and love for the rich culture, heritage and history of the motherland, the Philippines.
Some 400 people, mostly Filipinos and Filipino Norwegians and their families was regaled with an afternoon show that featured cultural dances sinulog and kuridang, Filipino original music rendered local singing talents Joy Blix, Jessa Vestil, and Aniliza Correa, and live music performed local Filipino bands, Big Uhaw and Terraces. The San Lorenzo Ruiz Filipino Choir led the singing of the Philippine national anthem.
The event also featured an original Filipino composition, Malayang Pilipinas, which carried the PID theme “Kalayaan,Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.”
At the capital, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) and Consul Raul H. Dado led the other Embassy officers and staff in two events held there.
In the morning, this year’s edition of Fiesta Filipino, a food and cultural event led by FilCom Norway was held in Youngstorget.
In his remarks on behalf of Ambassador Fos, DCM Dado extended his warm greetings to the Filipino community. In his message, he honored the enduring patriotism of Filipinos in Norway and reflected on this year’s theme—Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom. Future. History.)—as a tribute to the sacrifices of our forebears and a call to look ahead with resolve and unity. He also underscored the deepening ties between the Philippines and Norway, and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipinos in Norway while promoting Philippine interests abroad. He also lauded the organizers and volunteers, recognizing the dedication and love of the country that made the event possible.
The Embassy once again mounted its Laro ng Lahi, where young and old hearkened back to their childhood with Filipino games such as sungka, jackstone, sips, bugtungan, and Philippine trivia games.
The event also boasted of a guestlist from the Norwegian Government, led by Minister for International Development Åsmund Aukurst, Member of Parliament and Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense Trine Lise Sandnes, Member of Parliament and Standing Committee on Health and Care Services Kamzy Gunaratnam, and Oslo City Council Alternate Representative Daniel Tran Huynh.
The day’s festivities opened with a Holy Mass presided by Fr. Clæs Tande, followed by a colorful parade featuring various organizations. This was followed by a vibrant cultural program featuring the talents of the Filipino-Norwegian community, with a Filipino food festival showcasing the best of Filipino flavors in various stalls.
Clarion Hotel The Hub at the heart of Oslo was where the Filipino community, decked out in their best Filipinianas, descended to be part of this year's Gala Night, held in the evening.
Led by Kalayaan Norge-Oslo (KNO), in cooperation with the Embassy, the Gala Night featured a cultural show featuring eight beautiful ladies from various parts of Norway vying to be the next Binibining Kalayaan 2025.
In his remarks, DCM Dado highlighted how this year's theme of "Kalayaan Kinabukasan Kasaysayan" resonated with the struggles and victories by the Filipino community in Norway and encouraged them to pay tribute and honor the sacrifices of those who fought for the country's freedom. He also thanked the organizers and said that the Embassy would always support the Filipino community.
Alicia Beth Eriksen from Fredrikstad was crowned Binibining Kalayaan 2025 at the end of the evening, with Vya Vannesa Apolinario from Oslo (1st runner up, Binibining Kinabukasan), Christel Kylie Stangeland from Stavanger (2nd runner up, Binibining Kasaysayan), Ana Rose Lauritzen from Horten (3rd runner up) and Joe Ann Guron from Moss (4th runner up) making up her court.
There are more events organized by the Filipino community in various towns and cities all over Norway to celebrate the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. END
The dance performance at the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Stavanger.
Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul Raul H. Dado (left photo) and Minister for International Development Åsmund Aukurst deliver their remarks at the Fiesta Filipino 2025 in Youngstorget. With Minister Aukurst in the photo are Member of Parliament and Standing Committee on Health and Care Services Kamzy Gunaratnam (left) and Member of Parliament and Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense Trine Lise Sandnes (right).
The crowds at the Fiesta Filipino 2025.
(Left photo) DCM Dado delivers his remarks at the Gala Night. (Right photo) Alicia Beth Eriksen from Fredrikstad being crowned Binibining Kalayaan 2025 during the Gala Night.
For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.