Filipinos Join Fiesta at PH Embassy in Moscow to Celebrate Independence Day
Filipinos in Moscow gather to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence with the Filipino Community in Russia at the Philippine Embassy grounds on 17 June 2018. (Moscow PE photo)
MOSCOW 11 July 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in Moscow held a fiesta for the Filipino Community at the Philippine Embassy grounds on 17 June 2018, in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence.
About 500 guests joined the festivities, which Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta hosted in honor of the Filipino Community.
The program was opened with an ecumenical prayer led by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Catherine F. Alpay, followed by the reading of the message from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Ambassador Sorreta delivered his welcome remarks, and thanked the Filipino Community for their continued support of the Embassy’s activities and programs, especially during the recent visit of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano to Moscow in May 2018.
Ambassador Sorreta also introduced the newest officials to join the Embassy, Commercial Counsellor Anne Marie Kristine C. Umali of the Department of Trade and Industry, and Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Colonel Dennis Francis Pastor. Both officials were warmly welcomed with applause by the audience.
Ambassador Sorreta said during his remarks, “Patuloy po nating sinisikap na mapalago ang relasyon ng Pilipinas at Russia sa sektor na pang-ekonomiya, pang-seguridad at depensa, at maging sa mga pangangailangan ng mga manggagawang Pilipino dito sa Russia. Nakikiusap ako sa ating mga Kababayan na tulungan niyo rin kami sa pangangalaga sa inyong kaligtasan at kalusugan. Kaming lahat sa Embahada ay laging handa na bigyan ng suporta ang ating mga Kababayan na humihingi sa amin ng tulong.”
(“We continue in our efforts to broaden the relations between the Philippines and Russia in the economic sphere, defense and security, and even in the needs of all Filipino workers in Russia. I ask all our Kababayans to help us in taking care of your safety and health. We at the Embassy are always ready to provide support to those among our Kababayans who seek our help.”)
Filipino Community organizations assisted the Embassy with the physical preparations, hosting of the program, parlor games and raffle, photo booth props and face painting station. Entertainment was provided by the Philippine Embassy Cultural Performing Group (PECPG), several talented singers from the Filipino Community, and the Lahing Kayumanggi Band.
Food and drinks were contributed by the Abra-Ilocos Sur Highlanders, Atin ‘To Coop., BIBAK, Baguio Support Group (BSG), Bayanihan ng Bayan ni Juan (Bayanihan), Bicol Saro Association, Dabarkads United Russia, Filipino Association in Russia (FAR), Filipino Volunteer Leaders Association in Russia (FVLAR), Free Believers in Christ Fellowship International (FBCFI), Ilab Ak Tayo Society, Lahing Kayumanggi (LK) and Samahan ng Mga Magkakaibigan at Barkada (SMB).
“The Filipino Community organizations were a big and important part of the success of this year’s Independence Day celebration,” said Ambassador Sorreta. “We’re both thankful and proud of the significant contributions of the Filipino Community, which made the event more festive and memorable. We hope to continue this tradition of effective cooperation between the Embassy and our Filipino Community organizations in our other Embassy activities well into the future.” END
For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph/ https://www.facebook.com/moscowpe/ or https://www.facebook.com/moscowpeconsular/
The Philippine Embassy Cultural Performing Group (PECPG), composed of Filipino volunteers, performs Philippine folk dances: (Photos left-right, top-bottom) 1. Bulaklakan 2. Kappa Malong-Malong 3. Cariñosa 4. Banga 5. Pandango sa Ilaw 6. Tinikling. (Jem Guanzon, FAR, C. Alpay photo)
Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta and Madame Teelo Sorreta together with the Philippine Embassy Moscow officers and staff during the 120th Philippine Independence celebration with the Filipino Community in Russia on 17 June 2018. Photo by Jem Guanzon. (Moscow PE photo)