PH Embassy, Filipinos in South Africa Celebrate 120th Year of PH Independence
Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles welcomes everyone for the festivities. (Pretoria PE photo)
PRETORIA 17 July 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in South Africa, together with the Filipino Community in Pretoria, celebrated the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence at the Chancery grounds on 17 June 2018.
Over 200 Filipinos from the South African cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg, and even as far as Gaborone in Botswana, came to celebrate a day of companionship and good cheer.
A flag-raising ceremony was held by Embassy personnel and the Filipino Community, followed by a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. A light snack of Filipino favorites of hot arroz caldo and pandesal was served to perk up a cold morning.
The Independence Day message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was read by Consul Joselito Chad N. Jacinto Jr., followed by the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano.
In his speech, Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles highlighted the progress of the Philippines, and lauded the strong and vibrant Filipino Community in South Africa. Ambassador Angeles also stressed the strong bond between the Philippines and South Africa that continues to grow, as it is based on the shared love for freedom.
A seminar on women’s rights was conducted by Consul Jungco. This was then followed by a parade of beautiful young ladies dressed with their fineries, escorted by handsome young men, who graced this year’s Santacruzan.
An all-Filipino lunch consisting of classic Filipino food such as adobo, pansit, lumpia, kaldereta, and much more, followed by Filipino desserts such as gulaman and other pampalamig was served. The undoubted stars of the culinary festivity were the three sinfully delicious lechon, masterfully prepared and roasted by lechon-meisters Albert, Mang Jose and Tres.
An afternoon of fun and games was organized and hosted by Madamme Cecilia Angeles in which children and grown-ups alike truly enjoyed. Music, performed by talented Filipino rakistas and singers, accompanied the celebrations until the fall of darkness.
The Filipino Community was gushing in their praise for a truly enjoyable day that would certainly be one of the highlights of the year. END
Kids enjoy the traditional Filipino game of pabitin. (Pretoria PE photo)
Talented musicians rock the house. (Pretoria PE photo)
For more information, visit www.pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph.