PHL Consulate General Celebrates Phl Independence with Filipino Community in Guam

Philippine Consul General to Guam Marciano R. de Borja delivers his remarks at the Santacruzan on June 10 at Agana Shopping Center, an annual activity organized by the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam (FLAG) for the month-long celebration of the 119th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.  (Photo credits: Mr. Ferdinand Villamor, PCG Agana)

28 June 2017 AGANA — The Philippine Consulate General led by Consul General Marciano R. de Borja joined the Filipino community in Guam for a month-long celebration of the 119^th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. 

The Filipino Ladies Association of Guam (FLAG) held the annual Santacruzan on June 10 at Agana Shopping Center.  FLAG has been hosting the Santacruzan since the 1970's for which it was awarded the most prestigious Philippine Presidential Commission of Filipino Overseas’ (CFO) Banaag Award in 1995. 

Guam government officials and politicians represented by the 34^th Guam Legislature Senators joined the santacruzan.  The highlight of the procession is the Reyna Elena or the grand queen represented by Guam First Lady Christine MS Calvo escorted by her spouse, Governor Eddie Baza Calvo.  8-year old Ana Cecilia Villamor, daughter of the Consulate General’s Records Officer Ferdinand Villamor won a prize for Best Gown.      

Consul General Marciano R. de Borja thanked FLAG for continuing the Filipino traditions that promote and share with the people of Guam the Filipinos’ religiosity and colorful cultural heritage.

Philippine Consul General to Guam Marciano R. de Borja (3^rd from left) with the officers of the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam (FLAG) led by its President, Ms. Shirley Trinidad (4^th from left) at the Santacruzan on 10 June 2017 at Agana Shopping Center, an annual activity organized by the for the month-long celebration of the 119th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Photo credits: PCG Agana)

On June 16, the Filipino Community of Guam (FCG), the umbrella organization of the various Filipino community organizations in Guam, held the 63^rd Independence Ball at Dusit Thani Guam Resort with guest of honor Mr. Tony Meloto, Chair of Gawad Kalinga.  The annual event is one of the highlights of the Filipino community’s Philippine Independence activities with 500 guests in attendance. 

Consul General de Borja led the ceremonial toast with Guam Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio, and administered the oath of FCG’s officers and board members led by FCG’s President for 2017-2018, Mr. Norman Analista.

Consul General Marciano de Borja (6^th from left) administered the oath of the officers and board members led by the Filipino Community of Guam’s (FCG) new President, Mr. Norman Analista (7^th from left), at the 63^rd Independence Ball, the annual event organized by the Filipino community umbrella organization, on June 16 at Dusit Thani Guam Resort, is one of the highlights of the month-long celebration of the 119th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. (Photo credits: PCG Agana)

A Tagalog thanksgiving mass at Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna, Guam was also held on June 18 followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Mabini Shrine in the War in the Pacific Memorial Park, Asan in partnership with the Batangas and Southern Tagalog Association of Guam (BASTA) led by its President, Mr. Antonio Yanez.

The celebrative activities of the Filipino community conclude with the “Pista sa Nayon” on June 24 at the Micronesia Mall.  

For more information, visit www.aganapcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PCGAgana. END