PH Embassy in Brunei Celebrates Independence Day
The Philippine Embassy in Brunei, led by Ambassador Christopher B. Montero (center), during the Flag Raising Ceremony on the occasion of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Brunei PE photo)
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 22 June 2019 – The Philippine Embassy in Brunei, led by Ambassador-designate to Brunei Christopher B. Montero, held a series of commemorative events marking the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 09 and 12 June 2019.
To kick off the celebrations, an Independence Day Thanksgiving Mass at the Church Our Lady of Assumption celebrated by Bishop Cornelius Sim, Vicar Apostolic of the Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam, was held on 09 June 2019.
Bishop Sim congratulated the Philippines and the Filipino community on the occasion of the 121st Anniversary of Philippine Independence, and conveyed his best wishes for the country’s continued peace and prosperity. The Mass was attended by more than 400 Filipino community members.
In the afternoon of the same day, the Philippine Embassy hosted an Independence Day Get-Together at the Chancery attended by close to 300 members of the Filipino Community.
In his message, Ambassador-designate Montero thanked the Filipino community for sacrificing their Sunday and their Hari Raya feasts to join the celebrations. In line with this year’s theme, “Kalayaan 2019: Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa Mamamayan (Freedom 2019: Courage of the Nation, Compassion for the People),” he called on the members of the Filipino Community to continue to strengthen their love for country, and serve as good and responsible members of society in the host country.
“Kayo po ang tunay na mga Ambassadors ng Pilipinas sa bansang ito kung kaya’t lalo niyo pang pag-ibayuhin ang inyong likas na sipag at talino upang mas mai-angat ang magandang imahen nating mga Filipino sa bansang ito (You are the real Ambassadors of the Philippines in this country, that is why you must further strengthen your natural diligence and intelligence so we can further lift the good image of the Filipinos in this country),” Ambassador Montero said.
During the event, Independence Day messages of high ranking officials of the Philippine government were shared with the Filipino vommunity. The program included a musical rendition of patriotic songs from the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association in Brunei Chorale.
While the guests enjoyed a merienda salu-salo buffet featuring Filipino delicacies, Ambassador Montero took the opportunity to meet and greet all the members of the Filipino community present.
On 12 June 2019, Ambassador-designate Montero, together with Embassy officers and staff, held the traditional flag raising ceremony at the Embassy grounds, following by simple breakfast get-together. END
Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero presents an offering to Bishop Cornelius Sim, Vicar Apostolic of the Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam, during the Thanksgiving Mass. (Brunei PE photo)
Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero delivers his remarks during the Independence Day Get-Together with the Filipino Community. (Brunei PE photo)
UST Alumni Association Brunei Chorale singing patriotic songs during the event. (Brunei PE photo)
Ambassador Montero and leaders of Filipino Organizations in Brunei pose for a photo during the traditional Independence Day cake cutting ceremony. (Brunei PE photo)
For more information, visit www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philippine-embassybrunei.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBrunei/.