OFWs in Lebanon Celebrate Christmas
BEIRUT 20 December 2018 – To introduce Filipino culture, cuisine and talent to Lebanon, as well as celebrate Christmas, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut successfully organized Paskong Pinoy 2018 at the College du Sacre-Coeur in Gemmayze, Beirut on 02 December 2018.
The event was held in partnership with Filipino Community organizations, led by the Filipino Coordinators Committee in Lebanon. The celebration also received support from BOB Finance Western Union, College du Sacre-Coeur (CSC), Circle Exhibitions and Turkish Airlines.
A holy mass concelebrated by Father Bien Dulfo and Father Henry Ponce, opened the celebration with the ribbon cutting by Ambassador to Lebanon Bernardita L. Catalla and CSC administrator Soheil Georges Fata.
Filipino dishes from 12 regions in the Philippines were prepared by various Filipino Community organizations that included dinakdakan, tocino, beef caldereta, pork and chicken adobo, pansit bam-i, dinengdeng, batchoy, moron, pakbet, Bicol express, buttered shrimp, nasi lemak, and five whole lechon (roasted pig).
The singing/chorale contest showcased Filipino talent, with each contestant singing a Christmas song. The cash prizes were provided by BOB Finance Western Union. All finalists received cash prizes and the winners received US$500 for solo category, and US$1000 for choral/group category.
Novel and fun, Paskong Pinoy 2018 in Lebanon received overwhelmingly positive reviews from collaborators and guests. Lebanese guests complimented the variety of Filipino dishes they tasted for the first time and overseas Filipino workers savored old-time favorites they missed from home. They expressed their wish for the Embassy to hold more Filipino festivals.
With enthusiastic and generous support of Filipino Community organizations, sponsors and local partners, the Embassy intends to reach out to other municipalities in Lebanon through its cultural diplomacy projects. END
For more information, visit www.beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLebanon/.
