PH Embassy in Berne, Filipino Community Commemorate PH Independence in Switzerland
Ambassador to Switzerland Denis Yap Lepatan delivers his remarks during the commemoration ceremony of the Philippine Independence at the Philippine Embassy. (Berne PE photo)
BERNE 04 June 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Berne was joined by the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva and the Filipino community in Switzerland in celebrating the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 15 June 2019.
Ambassador to Switzerland Denis Yap Lepatan said that the Philippines celebrates Independence Day because it is the day “when the Filipino people solemnly expressed their will and determination to be a free and independent nation.”
He added that, “It was the will and determination of the people that made us a nation “isang bansa, isang diwa (one country, one spirit)”. He asked the participants to remember that when they look at the Philippine flag it is the fruit of the sacrifice, the blood, sweat, and tear of countless Filipinos.
Ambasador Lepatan also acknowledged the event’s special guests Dr. Raul Sunico, Aleron musical director Christopher Ong Arceo, and Swiss-Filipino chef Domingo Domingo.
The Ambassador also read the Independence Day message of President Rodrigo Duterte, which called on all Filipinos to commit ourselves to ensure that the sacrifices of our patriots, heroes and martyrs “have not been in vain and that their dream of a truly independent Philippines – whose people live freely in a secure, stable and prosperous society – will be achieved within our lifetimes.”
Performances were made by Swiss-based Filipino youths who sang Bayan Ko and Ako ay Pilipino to instill a sense of nationalism among the attendees. Filipino children from 2½ to 12 years of age also sang “Bahay Kubo” and “Leron Leron Sinta”; while the Filipinas Chorale Group sang Philippine classics Sa “Libis ng Nayon”, “Lawiswis Kawayan”, and “Ti Ayat Ti Maysa na Ubing” during the festivities.
The commemoration was capped with a brunch catered by renowned Filipino-Swiss chef Domingo and his team, who prepared a variety of well-loved Filipino food - lugaw, pancit, salmon tinapa with atchara, adobo, kaldereta, lechon, pork belly, coconut leche flan, halo-halo, and coconut, mango-flavored ice cream to the participants delight. END
Filipino children from 2½ to 12 years of age singing “Bahay Kubo” and “Leron Leron Sinta” during the Independence Day event. (Berne PE photo)
The Filipinas Chorale Group performing “Sa Libis ng Nayon”, “Lawiswis Kawayan”, and “Ti Ayat Ti Ayam na Ubing”. (Berne PE photo)
Swiss-based Filipino youths performing nationalist songs, “Bayan Ko” and “Ako ay Pilipino” during the event at the Embassy to commemorate the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. Sebastian Eviota (left) plays the guitar during the singing of Bayan Ko. (Berne PE photo)
Embassy officers and staff led by Ambassador Lepatan (back row, fourth from left) pose for a photo during the celebration of the121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence. (Berne PE photo)
For more information, visit www.bernepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSwitzerland.