PHL Embassy in Pretoria Celebrates 119th Year of Philippine Independence
Ambassador Joseph Gerard B. Angeles (center) and Madam Cecilia J. Angeles (center, in red) gather for a group photo with Embassy personnel and members of the Filipino community in southern Africa before the start of the festivities.
23 June 2017 PRETORIA — Three hundred fifty Filipinos across Southern Africa gathered at the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa on June 18 to celebrate the 119th year of Philippine Independence.
Ambassador Joseph Gerard B. Angeles led the gathering of Embassy personnel and the Filipino community in starting the day’s festivities with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a mass, and culminating with a series of dance and song presentations from the community.
Ambassador Angeles reminded the community to remember the heroism of our forefathers who fought for our country’s independence and to always be proud of our identities.
Traditional Filipino dances and OPM songs were performed during the gathering while the Embassy prepared Filipino food to celebrate Philippine Independence and to celebrate our Filipino identity.
The Embassy-hosted community celebrations are awaited events for the Filipino community in southern Africa as these provide opportunities for them to enjoy Filipino hospitality and culture and to meet other kababayans.
For more information, visit www.pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph. END
Ambassador Angeles welcomes the Filipino communities in Southern Africa at the Embassy’s Independence Day celebrations.