PH Consulate General in Hong Kong Celebrates 2019 PH Independence Day
Consul General to Hong Kong Antonio A. Morales leads the parade together with the Embassy personnel during the commemoration of the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence in Hong Kong. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
HONG KONG 26 June 219 — The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong organized three well-attended activities to celebrate the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 9 and 12 June 2019.
The Consulate General, in collaboration with the Filipino Community in Hong Kong, first held the Kapangyawan Friendship Festival at Chater Road in Central on 9 June 2019. The festival featured colorful cultural shows and other lively performances by Filipino music personalities Aicelle Santos and Jason Fernandez, and members of the Filipino community in Hong Kong
The Kapangyawan Friendship Festival also featured the Hong Kong Police Marching Band who performed their rendition of “Lambada”, “Instant Concert”, “Happy Wanderer”, and “I Just Called to Say I Love You”. The band has become a mainstay in this annual event as a tribute to the Philippines-Hong Kong friendship.
A sumptuous breakfast, consisting of typical Filipino food like tuyo, tinapa, daing, longganisa, beef tapa, tocino, salted eggs, Pinoy sausage, corned beef, suman, tsokolate, and assorted fruits, delighted the members of different Filipino organizations, media partners and church groups who attended the Consulate General’s second event in commemoration of Philippine Independence, the Pinoy Almusal at the Consulate General’s public area on 12 June 2019.
Attendees listened to the Independence Day messages of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Vice President Leni Robredo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr., and Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III, which were read by Consul General to Hong Kong Antonio A. Morales, Deputy Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan, Consul Paolo Saret, and Labor Attaché Jalilo Dela Torre, respectively.
Consul General Morales thanked the members of the Filipino community for their significant contribution and unfailing support during the recently concluded overseas voting that resulted in the successful holding of clean and honest elections in Hong Kong In his remarks during the Pinoy Almusal event.
He highlighted the Philippines’ economic ties with Hong Kong on the third event conducted by the Consulate General, the Independence Day reception at Conrad Hotel also on 12 June 2019. He said that the Philippines has continued to be one of Hong Kong’s top trading partners. He further added that with the entry into force of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, the economic ties will grow even further.
Consul General Morales also underscored the growing potential of cultural exchanges between Philippines and Hong Kong with Filipinos being one of the biggest ethnic minority in Hong Kong. He assured the Consulate’s commitment to expanding its participation in Hong Kong’s cultural scene through collaborative projects with different groups, organizations, and government agencies promoting culture and the arts.
After his speech, the Consul General was joined on stage by Foreign Ministry Deputy Commissioner Song Ruan for the traditional toast.
After the short program, guests were treated with Filipino dishes prepared by Filipino chef Larry Orias of Conrad Hotel Hong Kong, while watching the performance of a Filipino Community cultural dance group.
Raffle prizes courtesy of Philippine Airlines were given away. Consul General Morales awarded two lucky winners of a round-trip business class ticket each going to Manila.Other sponsors were PLDT Hong Kong, San Miguel Brewery and Del Monte. END
Consul General to Hong Kong Antonio A. Morales leads the flag raising ceremony with the Embassy personnel during the commemoration of the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence in Hong Kong. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
The Hong Kong Police Marching Band performing their rendition of Lambada, Instant Concert, Happy Wanderer, and I Just Called to Say I Love You during the parade. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
Members of various Filipino community organizations grooved to the tune of popular OPM music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s during the Kulay Pinoy segment. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
The Migrant Ilonggo Cultural Dance Troupe wows the audience with their lively “Salakot” dance performance. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong pose for a photo during the commemoration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
For more information, visit www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/.