20,000 Filipinos Join Phl Independence Day Celebrations at Dubai's World Trade Center

During the opening of the PID 2017

24 May 2017, DUBAI, U.A.E. — The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, in partnership with the Filipino community, successfully held its 2017 Philippine Independence Day Celebrations on May 12 at the World Trade Center where an estimated crowd of 20,000 were present to join the festivities.

The Opening Ceremonies drew the participation of about 5,000 Filipinos in the Opening Parade participated in by officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General, POLO-Dubai, and other attached agencies, the Philippine schools in Dubai and Sharjah, community organizations and their leaders. Also joining the celebrations were officers from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi led by Ambassador Constancio Vingno. 

Segments of the event include On-the-Spot Painting Competition, a Hairstyling Competition, an OPM Singing Competition, Mr. and Ms. Teen Philippine Independence Day 2017, and Battle of the Bands.

Consul General Paul Raymond Cortes explained that with June 12 falling within Ramadan, the community decided to move the celebration a month earlier to accommodate the Filipino students whose school calendar would have ended if the Independence Day celebrations were to be held after Ramadan. He commended the organizing committee for their collaboration and endeavor to highlight Philippine music, art, dance, ingenuity, and creativity.

The Consulate and the Filipino Community hold two big events annually - the Philippine Independence Day Celebrations and the Bayanihan, held in December to celebrate UAE National Day and as a year-end Fiesta.

The celebrations were a product of a ten-week planning and coordination between the Consulate and the Filipino organizations. 

For more information, visit www.dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph  or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. END