PH Embassy in Pretoria Celebrates 121st PH Independence
Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard Angeles reads his welcoming speech. (Pretoria PE photo)
PRETORIA 08 July 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria celebrated the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the Filipino community in South Africa on 16 June 2019 at the Chancery grounds.
Over 250 Filipinos from Pretoria and nearby municipalities, and even from nearby countries as Botswana and Mozambique, came to partake on Filipino food and Filipino companionship.
A flag raising ceremony was held by Embassy officers and staff and the Filipino community. The festivities commenced with a mass. A light snack of Filipino favorites of hot arroz caldo, tokwa’t baboy and pandesal was served to combat the morning chill. The Independence Day Message of President Rodrigo Duterte was read by Consul Joselito Chad Jacinto followed by the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.
Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard Angeles gave a welcome speech, which highlighted the progress of the Philippines as well as lauded the strong and vibrant Filipino community in South Africa. He also pointed out the fact that the struggle for freedom is a continuing process, that instead of combatting foreign invaders, Filipinos must now struggle against poverty to uplift the lives of every Filipino.
An all-Filipino lunch consisting of classic Filipino food such as adobo, pansit, lumpia, kaldereta, and more, followed by Filipino desserts were served. The undoubted stars of the culinary festivity were the three delectable lechons.
An afternoon of fun and games was organized and hosted by Madame Cecilia Angeles, the Ambassador’s spouse. Music, performed by talented Filipino musicians and singers, accompanied the celebrations until after the sun has set.
The Filipino community truly enjoyed the day, and would be a memorable milestone for the year 2019 for the Filipino community in southern Africa. END
Ambassador Angeles and Consul Joselito Chad Jacinto with the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria officers and staff during the flag raising ceremony. (Pretoria PE photo)
Consul Jacinto reads the Independence Day Message of President Rodrigo Duterte. (Pretoria PE photo)
Filipino food such as adobo, pansit, lumpia, kaldereta, and Filipino desserts were served and enjoyed by the visitors. (Pretoria PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph.