PH Embassy in Bahrain Celebrates Independence Day
Philippine Embassy personnel and its attached agencies, headed by Philippine Ambaasador to Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver (5th from right) and spouse Madam Caroline Belinda C. Ver (at the center), lead the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Philippine independence at the Embassy’s grounds in Manama. (Manama PE photo)
MANAMA 25 June 2018 — The Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in Bahrain commemorated the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence with a flag-raising ceremony and a short program at the Embassy grounds on 12 June 2018. The celebration was held under the theme “Kalayaan 2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan (Independence 2018: “Change We Fought For, An Offering To An Abundant Future”).
The Philippine flag was hoisted by Mr. Gerardo C. Tabangin of the Philippine Embassy and Captain Donn Anthony L. Miraflor, the Philippine Navy’s Senior National Representative to the Combined Maritime Forces. The singing of the national anthem was led by Koro Filipino of Sacred Heart Church, while the oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag was led by Social Security System Representative Edre G. Bayno.
An invocation was rendered by representatives of different faiths, namely Father Peter S. Eugenio of Sacred Heart Church, Brother William A. Lopez of Iglesia ni Cristo, Pastor Bonifacio Villanueva of World of Life Christians, and Brother Nabiyyil Yusup for the Islamic prayer.
Embassy officials read the messages of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, and Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III.
Patriotic songs such as “Isang Lahi”, “Dakilang Lahi”, “Ngayon”, and “Minsan Pay Muling Lilisan” were sung by Ms. Aubrey Jan Haduca, Mr. Ryan Altaran, Mr. Glenn D. Raz, and Mr. John Ewald Galit. Violinist Irish Mae Mariano also performed the song entitled “Ang Bayan Ko” during the program.
The Embassy also honored and awarded Certificates of Appreciation to selected individuals and organizations who provided support to the Embassy in various ways, which includes providing plane tickets and donating basic necessities to wards at the Embassy shelter, organizing medical missions for distressed OFWs, documenting the special event of the Embassy, and conducting outreach and seminars to wards at the Embassy shelter.
The awardees included Pinay Ikaw Na, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Triskelion International, Philippine Nurses Association, Travelers Tribe Masonic Club, Filipino – American Association, Dabarkads, Guardians Delta Fore International Inc., Alpha Kappa Rho Bahrain International Council, Samahan Ng Walang Iwanan Sa Pagbabago, Thank God It’s Fellowship, Sacred Heart Church, Alpha Phi Omega, Mr. Walter Borja, Ms. Jeune Marie Catindig, Ms. Antonette G. Avila, Mr. Glenn Raz, Mr. Dante Gamboa, Mr. Gilbert. Salacup, Engr. Arturo T. Esmeralda, Mr. Erwin S. Flores and Mr. Victor L. Lindog.
The Embassy also opened a mini exhibit located at the Sentro Rizal of the Embassy. Mr. Hafedh Abdulghaffar, a Bahraini national, donated the collectible items displayed at the Sentro Rizal.
The Embassy also took the opportunity to showcase the portraits of Filipino heroes which were sent by Cultural and Diplomacy Unit of the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, as part of Project Saysay.
The traditional “Almusal ng Bayan” was served after the program. END
For more information, visit www.manamape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinBahrain
Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver reads the message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Independence Day 2018. (Manama PE photo)
The Embassy opens a mini exhibit located at the Sentro Rizal of the Embassy. Ambaasador. Alfonso A. Ver and Mr. Hafez cuts the ribbon during the opening of the mini-photo exhibit. (Manama PE photo)