Philippine Embassy Conducts Philippine Independence Day Reception for the Filipino-Dutch Community in Netherlands

Ambassador Malaya gave a message to the Filipino-Dutch Community who attended the Philippine Independence Day Reception at the Embassy’s Rizal Courtyard (The Hague PE photo)

THE HAGUE 07 June 2023 - Reflecting on this year’s Philippine Independence Day theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” (Freedom, Future, History), Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya thanked community members for their support to the cultural, economic and other programs of the Embassy and urged them to remain united and engaged in community affairs. He made the call during the Embassy’s reception for the Filipino-Dutch Community held on Saturday, 03 June, at the Embassy’s Rizal Courtyard. 

“Saan man tayo naroroon, sa Pilipinas, sa Gitnang Silangan, Amerika o Europa, sa pamamagitan ng ating mga sari-sariling ambag sa lipunan, sa pamamagitan ng ating Filcom organization, NGO work, pagtulong sa Embassy at iba pa, maari tayong maging bahagi ng kasaysayan at kinabukasan ng ating bansang Pilipinas.” Ambassador Malaya said. “Kaya kami sa Embassy ay lubusang natutuwa na tayo dito sa Netherlands ay nagsasamasama, nagtutulungan at nagkakaisa.” 

Addressing some 200 leaders and members of the Filipino-Dutch community organizations at the reception which was marked by fellowship, music and fun, Malaya added, “We consider it a privilege to have been engaged in proactive diplomatic and community empowerment initiatives these past two years in order to better serve our beloved country and the Filipino-Dutch community.” 

Among the major projects undertaken by the Embassy in physical infrastructure were the now completed renovation of the Embassy chancery, the inauguration of the International Court of Justice Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall at the Embassy’s ground floor, the landscaping and transformation of the former parking lot into a garden, and the soon to be inaugurated profile bust of Dr. Jose Rizal. 

The reception program featured a captivating lineup of performers. Much applauded were Rafaella Maria Lida Mercado Lelieveld, 9-year-old daughter of Filipino-Dutch visual artist Chelony and husband Erwin Lelieveld, who sang "Bayan Ko" and "Pilipinas kong Mahal," and university student Mr. Patrick Lacorum who played on saxophone "Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok ko" (Rey Valera) and "When I Met You" (Apo Hiking Society). The six-member Valrivia Band from Amsterdam brought the audience to their feet and had them dancing to their reggae versions of "Cotabato" (Asin), "Oo" (Up Dharma Down), "Usok" (Aegis), "Manila Girl" (Pu3ska), and "Kapayapaan" (Tropical Depression). The other performers were Ms. Ann Antonio, Ms. Anabelle A. Ausa, and Ms. Cristina Barabat. 

In a Facebook post, Rotterdam community leader Ms. Grace Cabactulan wrote, “It was heartwarming to see happy faces last Saturday: students, entrepreneurs, nurses and other friends. Way to go, Embassy people! Nasa likod ninyo kami!” 

In addition to the Filipino community leaders, others present were recently arrived nurses who now work at hospitals Haga Ziekenhuis and Zuyderland Medisch Centrum, students from Groningen, Wageningen and other universities, and officers and members of various Filipino Catholic communities. 

The Embassy took the occasion to present commendations to 10 Filipino-Dutch community organizations and five individuals for their significant support to the cultural, economic and other programs of the Embassy in 2022 and early 2023. The organizations given commendations were the Filipino Catholic Community Dordrecht, Filipino Catholic Community Rotterdam, Kalayaan Fiesta Foundation in the Netherlands, the Knights of Rizal The Hague Chapter, Manila Trading (Mr Ona and Ms Terry Gavino), foundation Stichting Sparrow, United Filipino Dutch Association, University of the Philippines Alumni Association – The Netherlands, Xinyx Design Consultancy and Services, Inc., and Daddy’s Day Off Band. 

Individuals who were recognized were Philippine Consul General, a.h. in Amsterdam Eppo Horlings, Ms. Geertruida Maria Paulina Schoorlemmer (for civic, educational and humanitarian projects in the Philippines), Mr. Gerard Arp (for his translation to the Dutch language of Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo), Ms. Grace Cabactulan, and Mr. Joost Hoorlings. 

The Embassy is scheduled to also host a reception for the members of the diplomatic corps, Dutch government officials and businessmen and women on June 15.  END

                                  Ambassador Malaya gives a message to the Filipino-Dutch Community who attended the Philippine Independence Day Reception at the Embassy’s Rizal Courtyard (The Hague PE photo)

Rafaella Maria Lida Mercado Lelieveld, 9 year-old daughter of Filipino Dutch visual artist Chelony Lelieveld sings “Bayan Ko” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” at the event (The Hague PE photo)

The Filipino Dutch community at the event (The Hague PE photo)

Consul General a.h. in Amsterdam Eppo Horlings (middle) together with Ambassador Malaya and the rest of the Filipino-Dutch community who attended the event (The Hague PE photo)

Consul General a.h. in Amsterdam Eppo Horlings (middle) together with the rest of the Filipino-Dutch community who attended the event (The Hague PE photo)

Ambassador Malaya together with the members of the Filipino-Dutch community who attended the event (The Hague PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph or  https://www.facebook.com/PHinTheNetherlands/.