PHL Consulate in Honolulu Celebrates 119th Phl Independence Day with Flag Raising, Breakfast Reception
Philippine Consul General to Honolulu Gina A. Jamoralin (1st row, center), with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu
19 June 2017 HONOLULU — In celebration of the 119th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence, Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin held a flag-raising ceremony and hosted a breakfast reception for the Filipino community and its partner organizations on June 9 at the Philippine Consulate General. This year’s Independence Day theme was “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin,” or “Partnering Together for Change.”
Philippine Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero, and his wife, Love Marie Escudero, were the Guests of Honor. A delegation from Taytay, Rizal, led by Mayor George Ricardo Gacula II, and Kauai Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, were also guests.
The Consul General encouraged the Filipino-American community to continue to build on the heroism and selflessness of our forefathers in protecting our nationhood. Senator Escudero commended the Filipinos’ sense of nationalism and pride, and exhorted them to continue loving the country and their fellow Filipinos.
Consul General Jamoralin, Senator and Mrs. Escudero led the laying of the lei (floral garland) ceremony at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal.
The Independence Day message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano was read. Student-members of the Rizalian Youth Council and KASAMA, the Philippine Studies Student Society at the University of Hawaii Leeward, under the direction of Dr. Raymund Liongson, professor of Asian and Philippine Studies at UH Leeward, performed a narration of the history of the Philippine flag. The presentation was a rendition of our youth’s understanding of the historic flags that inspired and kindled the Filipinos’ patriotism.
One hundred twenty guests enjoyed the Filipino-style breakfast prepared.
For more information, visit www.honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippineshonolulu.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHConsulateHonolulu. END
Filipino American students perform a special presentation on the history of the Philippine flag.