PH Embassy in Stockholm Holds Flag Raising Ceremony to Celebrate 124th Anniversary of PH Independence
Philippine Ambassador to Sweden Lumen B. Isleta (centre) is joined by Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa, Embassy personnel and family members, and members of the Filipino Community in Stockholm for the Flag Raising Ceremony. (Stockholm PE photo)
STOCKHOLM, 13 June 2022 – The Philippine Embassy in Stockholm conducted a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 124th Anniversary of Independence of the Philippines on 12 June 2022 at the Embassy Grounds.
Philippine Ambassador to Sweden Maria Lumen B. Isleta was joined by Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa as well as Filipino Community representatives Ms. Letty Simpson and Mr. Florinio Tuazon in raising the Philippine flag up to the blue, clear sky, as the Philippine National Anthem was sung in reverently and resoundingly.
The Ceremony was also attended by Embassy personnel and their family members, Filipino Community members in Stockholm., including representatives of the Filipino Community Leaders’ Association in Sweden (FilComLAS).
In her Welcome Remarks (which was delivered in Tagalog), Ambassador Isleta stated that the gathering is the first time that the Embassy has carried out such a ceremony with the Filipino community since its reopening, as the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the holding of such an activity. She noted that giving tribute to the Philippine flag is one of key links between Filipinos despite the differences in languages and region, in social status, and beliefs and perspectives. Ambassador Isleta highlighted that Filipinos, in spite of being in other countries, continue to demonstrate true Filipino characteristics – being helpful and kind to others, whether they be friends or strangers; demonstrating diligence and prudence in work; and having a ready smile for everyone.
H.E. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and H.E. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. 's video messages were also shown during the program, and performances by Ms. Alicia Tayam Dahlgren, a music major student at Södra Latins Gymnasium and a 2nd generation Filipino, and the Embassy’s very own Mr. Rene Salazar were also welcomed.
The program ended with a sumptuous and delectable Filipino brunch, prepared by Filipino cooks in Sweden, which included arroz caldo, puto with cheese, leche flan, pandesal, tosilog, bangsilog, and longsilog. The Dessert spread included leche flan, ube and cheese puto, ube cake, pan de sal and biko. END
Ambassador Isleta is joined by Embassy officials and members of the Filipino Community in Sweden prepares to hoist the Philippine Flag. (Stockholm PE photo)
Ambassador Isleta is joined by Embassy officials and members of the Filipino Community in Sweden in hoisting the Philippine Flag. (Stockholm PE photo)
Ambassador Isleta poses with members of the Filipino Community in Sweden. (Stockholm PE photo)
Ambassador Isleta gives her remarks. (Stockholm PE photo)
Ms. Alicia Tayam Dahlgren performs in guitar for the guests. (Stockholm PE photo)
Filipino desserts for a Filipino brunch. (Stockholm PE photo)
Ambassador Isleta enjoys a lively conversation with members of the Filipino Community. (Stockholm PE photo)
For more information, https://stockholmpe.dfa.gov.ph/.