Amid Wintry New Zealand Weather, PH Embassy Celebrates Kalayaan 2018 with Filipino Community
Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus “Gary” Domingo delivers his opening remarks during the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence at the Ambassador’s residence on 12 June 2018. (Wellington PE photo)
WELLINGTON 25 June 2018 – More than a hundred Filipino Community leaders braved the wet, wild, windy, and wintry Wellington weather to join the celebration of Independence Day hosted by the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand at the Ambassador’s residence on 12 June 2018.
Donning the distinctive traditional Rayadillo uniform of the Philippine military during the 1898 Philippine Revolution, Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus “Gary” Domingo and Wellington’s Kasagip–Guardia Diplomatica Honour Guard led the entrance of colours to begin the festivities. The gathering then sang in unison our beloved and stirring national anthem, Lupang Hinirang.
Second Secretary and Consul Querobine Deapera Laccay welcomed the gathering and presented this year’s official theme: “Kalayaan 2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan” – “Independence 2018: Change We Fought For, An Offering To An Abundant Future”.
Ambassador Domingo delivered President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s message for the National Day observance, which highlighted the importance of giving due recognition of the supreme sacrifice rendered by our forebears as inspiration for the relentless pursuit of national progress and development.
Third Secretary and Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Q. Obach read the statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, which underscored the need for all Filipinos, in particular OFWs, teachers, soldiers, the private sector and the civil service, to play a role and contribute to nation-building and social transformation.
In the spirit of ecumenism, prayers were led by Monsignor Edward R. Karaan, Deputy Head of Mission and First Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Wellington, and Brother Benito Sumang III, Resident Minister for Wellington of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
After the official program, all partook of well-loved Philippine traditional dishes including lechon, sinampalukang manok, lumpia, pancit bihon, hipon and biko (whole roast pig, chicken in tamarind broth, spring rolls, rice noodles, prawns and sweet rice cake), and belted out videoke Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs.
In keeping with true Filipino spirit, innumerable selfies and groupies were taken.
The gathering was also an occasion for the Embassy to share with the Filipino Community the gains being made by the Duterte administration in terms of economic growth and governance reform, as well as improvements in services delivery by the Foreign Service. It was also an opportunity for the Community to share their views and concerns with the Embassy.
Numerous other Philippine independence commemorative events will be held throughout the month of June, all over New Zealand.
A unique challenge for “Kiwipinos” is that June marks the beginning of winter in the country, given the reversal of seasons in the Antipodes, thus indoor rather than outdoor celebrations are the norm. END
For more information, visit www.wellingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy.org.nz
or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNZ/
The Kasagip – Guardia Diplomatica Honour Guards from left to right: Miguel Angelo Siazon, Pat Salandanan, Noel Bautista, Ambassador Domingo, Iggy Bello, Theo Lacsamana and Mar Esparas, Guard Commander. (Wellington PE photo)
Brother Benito Sumang leads a prayer for Independence Day; at right foreground is Monsignor Edward Karaan. (Wellington PE photo)
Embassy personnel and spouses from left: Nicki Garcia; Villie and Rusty Velando; Jhong and Divine Cruz; Oj and Bon Laccay; Ambassador Gary and Madam Medy Domingo; Glenn and Dottie Obach; Les and Marc Asilom; Marivic and Larry Reyes; Monette and Ronald Garcia; and Celie Ignacio. (Wellington PE photo)