PH Embassy Showcases Filipino Creativity During 124th Celebration of PH Independence in Chile
Philippine Embassy officials and Filipino community leaders and members in Chile enjoy a variety of activities for Kalayaan 2022. (Santiago PE photos)
SANTIAGO 17 June 2022 – The Philippine Embassy in Santiago joined more than 200 members of the Filipino community in celebrating 124 years of the nation’s independence on 11 June 2022. The celebration was held at the Philippine Chancery in Las Condes and featured a Filipino booth design competition showcasing Filipino patriotism, creativity and talent.
The day-long event also featured videos of the national day messages of President Duterte and Secretary Locsin, the official cutting of the Kalayaan 2022-themed cake, song and dance performances by members of the community, as well as raffle draws sponsored by Embassy personnel and Filipino Commuity members.
In his official remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Jim Tito B. San Agustin highlighted the importance and key elements of the year’s theme: Kalayaan 2022 – Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas. He touched on the theme’s encompassing message of unity and steadfast optimism in facing tomorrow’s many challenges. He called on the Filipino community to be agents of positive change and to serve as good examples of what it truly means to be a Filipino in Chile.
A total of six Filipino community organizations participated in the Filipino booth design competition. Their designs were rated by judges from the Embassy, the Apostolic Nunciature and the US Embassy based on creativity, aesthetic value, relevance to the Philippines, and overall messaging. The Filipino community group, The Unstoppables, took home the 1st prize with a concept featuring the best Philippine World Heritage Sites. The Flor and Iglesia ni Cristo group secured the 2nd prize through the use of intricate Filipino garments and design pieces, while the Jesus is Lord and Happy Feet groups tied for 3rd place with their colorful versions of the Pahiyas and Sinulog, respectively. Consolation prizes were awarded to The Adventurers and The Rookies, while each participating leader as well as their members were collectively given certificates of appreciation for their full support and active role in the activity. Each booth also served classic Filipino dishes and desserts, which complemented the traditional pancit and lumpiang shanghai prepared by the Embassy’s Cultural Officer.
This 124th celebration of Philippine independence with the Filipino community was the first major physical activity held at the Philippine Chancery in Santiago since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. END
Philippine Embassy officials and Filipino community leaders and members in Chile enjoy a variety of activities for Kalayaan 2022. (Santiago PE photos)
For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.