PH Consulate General in Agana Holds Month-long Celebration of 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence
AGANA 03 July 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Agana organized and attended several activities in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
2025 Pistang Pinoy Celebration at Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 08 June 2025
Consul Joaquin Ricardo Aragon represented Agana PCG at the Pistang Pinoy event held in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, on 08 June 2025
Philippine Consul General in Agana Joaquin Ricardo Aragon represented the Philippine Consulate General at the 2025 Pistang Pinoy Celebration organized by the United Filipino Organization in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands at the Marianas Business Plaza on 08 June 2025 to start Philippine Independence Month activities.
Around 300 leaders and members of the different Filipino organizations in Saipan were present during the celebration. The event featured a cultural presentation of Philippine folk dances and songs for the attendees.
Flag Raising Ceremony in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 12 June 2025
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque (center in peach gown) together with Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands officials and members of the Filipino Community in Saipain, CNMI during the Flag Raising Ceremony on 12 June 2025
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque attended a Flag Raising Ceremony organized by the United Filipino Organization on 12 June 2025 at Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. CNMI officials led by Governor Arnold Palacios, Lt. Governor David Apatang and members of the Filipino community were present during the flag raising ceremony. It was followed by a short program wherein Lt. Governor Apatang delivered a short message expressing his profound appreciation to the many contributions of Filipinos to the development of CNMI.
Similarly, Consul General Lemque emphasized in her remarks this year’s Philippine Independence theme: Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom. Future. History.), urging community leaders and fellow Filipinos in CNMI to continue to uphold the ideals of patriotism and service to the people in the island community.
Proclamation of June 2025 as Philippine Independence Month, signed on 12 June 2025
Guam Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero (seated, 5th from left), Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio (seated, 4th from right), Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez (seated, 4th from left), Consul Joaquin Ricardo R. Aragon (seated, 3rd form right), Vice Consul Daniella Bianca M. Villamin-Oriondo and Ms. Edna Rebanal, FCG President, together with the officers and members of the Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) during the signing of the June 2025 Proclamation
Consul Joaquin Ricardo R. Aragon and Vice Consul Daniella Bianca M. Villamin-Oriondo attended the signing of the Proclamation of June 2025 as Philippine Independence Month on 12 June 2025 by Guam Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio. The Proclamation recognizes the significant contributions of Filipinos to the development of the island of Guam and their outstanding achievements in various professional fields in government, military service, business, culture and the arts, education and civic engagements.
Leaders of the Filipino community headed by Ms. Edna Rebanal, FCG President and Ms. Nenita Baldovino, Chairperson of FCG Board of Trustees also witnessed the signing of the said Proclamation at the Guam Governor’s office.
Filipino Community of Guam’s Independence Day Ball, 14 June 2025
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque (right) proposed a ceremonial toast with Guam Governor Lourdes Leon Gurrero (left)
Agana PCG personnel, led by Consul General Rosario P. Lemque, attended the Independence Day Ball organized by the Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort on 14 June 2025 in celebration of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence. The event was attended by more than 300 guests composed of the Governor of Guam, Hon. Lou Leon Guerrero, First Gentleman Atty. Jeffrey Cook, Speaker Frank F. Blas, Jr. and members of the Guam Legislature, Guam Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Torres, other Guam government officials, and the leaders of the business and Filipino communities.
The Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker of the event was Archbishop of Agana, Most Reverend Ryan P. Jimenez. His Keynote Address highlighted the many contributions made by Filipinos in the island and how Filipinos use their talents and gifts for the benefit and good not just of the Filipino community but to the whole island community of Guam.
Consul General Lemque proposed a ceremonial toast in honor of the United States and Guam citing the strong friendship between the Philippines and the United States, as well as the treasured bonds between Filipinos and Guamanians.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, in her reply to the Consul General’s toast remarks, conveyed her well wishes to the Philippines and the Filipino people. She conveyed that Filipinos have been a pillar of service, culture and connection, and the contributions they made continue to uplift the quality of life on Guam.
Consulate personnel led by Vice Consul Daniella Bianca M. Villamin-Oriondo participated in one of the segments of the medley artistic production organized by the FCG as a surprise number during the event. The medley presentation involved the coordinated effort of over 50 performers.
(Left) Vice Consul Daniella Bianca M. Villamin-Oriondo (right) together with Agana PCG personnel
127th Independence Day Celebration and the 80th Anniversary of Max’s Restaurant
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque delivering her remarks during the celebration of 127the Independence Day and 80th Anniversary of Max’s Restaurant
Consul General Lemque attended Max’s Restaurant’s event commemorating the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and its 80th Anniversary held at the Center Court of Micronesia Mall in Guam on 14 June 2025.
In her remarks, Consul General Lemque highlighted the shared history of the Philippines and Guam, saying “The common experiences under colonial rule have created a bond that transcends borders. The exchange of cultures, traditions, and values between our two communities has fostered mutual respect and understanding, strengthening the bonds between our peoples.”
She also conveyed her warmest greetings and congratulations to the Management of Max’s Restaurant on its 80th Anniversary. She commended Max's Restaurant contributions on its eight decades of serving Filipino cuisine. She said that the restaurant has been a cornerstone of promoting Filipino cuisine as well as a beloved venue where Filipino families gather, celebrate milestones, and share meals with love.
Among the activities during the event include a fried chicken eating-contest, singing contest, raffle draws of Filipino food products and handicrafts.
Thanksgiving Filipino Mass at St. Anthony de Padua Parish and Wreath-laying ceremony at the Mabini Shrine, 15 June 2025
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque together with Rev. Fr. Ron Pangan and the members of the Filipino Community of Guam
Consul General Lemque together with Agana PCG personnel and the leaders and members of the Filipino Community of Guam attended a Thanksgiving Filipino mass at St. Anthony de Padua Parish in Tamuning, Guam and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Apolinario Mabini Shrine at the Asan Beach Park on 15 June 2025.
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque together with Agana PCG personnel and the leaders of the Filipino Community of Guam led by FCG President, Ms. Edna Rebanal during the wreath-laying ceremony at Mabini Shrine
Flag Raising and Flower-offering Ceremony at the Official Residence, 21 June 2025
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque (left photo in blue gown) led the Flag Raising Ceremony
Agana PCG organized a flag-raising and a flower-offering ceremony in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 164th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal at the National Hero’s Bust located at the Consul General’s Official Residence on 21 June 2025.
During the event, Consul General Lemque highlighted in her remarks this year’s theme: Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom. Future. History.) and encouraged fellow Filipinos to look towards the future with optimism and determination, recognizing that freedom is essential in building a resilient and prosperous society amidst uncertain times. She added that as responsible citizens, Filipinos have the duty of preserving Philippine history to safeguard the nation’s identity for future generations.
The event was attended by the officers and members of the Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) led by Ms. Beth Cena, Acting FCG head and by Mr. Patrick Luces, Immediate Past President of FCG. After the short program, a simple Filipino breakfast which includes sinangag, tapa, tocino, biko, cassava cake, puto, kutsinta and tsokolate were served to all the attendees.
Agana PCG personnel together with the leaders of the Filipino Community during the Flower-offering ceremony at Dr. Jose Rizal’s Bust
Independence Day Dinner at Magellan Restaurant, Hotel Nikko, 27 June 2025
Consul General Rosario P. Lemque proposed a toast for Philippines’ and Guam’s strong relations. At the Consul General’s right is Atty. Jeffrey Cook, First Gentleman of Guam, together with esteemed Guam officials
Consul General Lemque hosted a dinner celebrating the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Philippines-Guam Friendship at the Magellan Restaurant, Hotel Nikko in Guam on 27 June 2025.
The dinner was attended by Atty. Jeffrey Cook, Guam’s First Gentleman who represented the Guam Governor and other Guam government officials, including Chief Justice Robert Torres, Justice Philip Carbullido, Vice Speaker V. Anthony Ada, Senator William Parkinson, Senator Telo Taitague, Senator Sabina Perez, and Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio.
Consul General Lemque proposed a toast in honor of the Philippines and Guam, underscoring the strong relations rooted in shared history, similar culture, and a common value system in family, faith and community and honoring mutual respect for everyone.
The First Gentleman, as the Guam Governor’s representative, in response to the Consul General’s remarks, expressed his gratitude to the Philippines for the strong friendship and to the Filipino community for being an integral part of the Guamanian family, contributing greatly to the development of the island.
The guests feasted at the sumptuous dinner served during the event featuring Filipino cuisine favorites, such as lechon, kare-kare, bulalo, adobo, lumpia shanghai, pansit bihon, halo-halo, leche flan, and ube halaya. This year’s Philippine Independence Month marked the first time Filipino cuisine was served at the Magellan Restaurant of Hotel Nikko. END
For more information, visit https://www.aganapcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippinesguam.org, https://www.facebook.com/PHinAgana/, https://twitter.com/PHinAgana or https://www.instagram.com/phinagana/.