PH Consulate General in Dubai Offers A Feast for the Senses at its Independence Day Celebration
Top photo: Consul General to Dubai Paul Raymund Cortes and Dr. Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes with United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar bin Sultan Al Olama and the Dubai’s diplomatic corps. Bottom left photo: Consul General Cortes delivers his welcome message. Bottom right photo: Ceremonial cake-cutting. (photo courtesy of KKK)
DUBAI 30 June 2019 — The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai hosted a reception celebrating the 121st Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence at Al Wasl Ballroom, Dusit Thani Hotel on 16 June 2019.
More than 270 guests from the consular corps, business community, and the Filipino community in Dubai took part in the event. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar bin Sultan Al Olama was the event’s Guest of Honor.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General to Dubai Paul Raymund P. Cortes expressed gratitude to the host government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation-Dubai for making possible the lighting of the world’s tallest building and Dubai’s famous landmark, Burj Khalifa in the colors of the Philippine flag on 12 June 2019 for the first time ever.
“This gesture, was emblematic of the close partnership of Filipinos and the UAE,” he said.
The reception featured an exhibition of the works of renowned Filipino painter Manuel Baldemor, who was among the special guests. His colourful works depicted life and culture of Muslims in the Philippines.
The event also included a a rendition of ‘Paru-Parong Bukid’ and “The Circle of Life’ from the musicale The Lion King by the Dubai Vocal Ensemble, a chorale group, composed of Filipino expatriates in Dubai.
The guests also marveled at the creativity of five Filipino fashion designers who are creating their excellent brand repute in the Middle East region and beyond - Harvey Cenit, Francis Zeta, Benj dela Rosa II, Garimon Roferos, and Ryan Pacioles, whose works were displayed at the entrance of the reception hall. END
Top photos: Christian Voices Chorale during their performance and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Middle photos: Mr. Manuel Baldemor presenting his artwork. Bottom photo: Dr. Balajadia-Cortes with the featured Dubai-based Filipino designers. (photo courtesy of KKK)
For more information, visit https://www.dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinDubai/ or the Consul General's FB page @phcongendubaipaulcortes