PH Embassy in Norway Joins Filipino Community Celebrations of Independence Day

Ambassador Enrico T. Fas speaks to the public during the Fiesta Filipino 2023 in Youngstorget. (Oslo PE photo)

OSLO, 21 June 2023 - In line with the double celebration of the 125th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence and the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway, the Philippine Embassy in Norway worked with Filcom Norway and Kalayaan Norge, both Oslo-based Filipino community organizations, for a series of community events in Oslo celebrating for these milestones.

"Both milestone celebrations are testament to the deep importance that we give to our country and our relationship with Norway. While there are many events among the Filipino community in Norway, these are part of one big celebration commemorating and honoring our country's independence and the strong bilateral relations," Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fas said.

On 03 June 2023, the first Saturday of the month of June, the Embassy was part of several events which lasted the whole day.

Ambassador Fos and Embassy officers and staff led the way during the Independence Day Parade along Karl Johans gate, Oslo's main street which traverses the National Palace, the Starting (Norwegian Parliament) and Oslo Central Station.

Close to a thousand Filipinos showcased the rich Filipino culture in their Filipiniana dresses, barongs and costumes, amazing onlookers and tourists along the route.

At the Fiesta Filipino at Youngstorget square fronting the Labor Party headquarters, the whole day event started with a Holy Mass in English presided by Fr. Johan Dumandan and Fr. Klaes Tande, followed by a cultural show and the Awit ng Lahi singing competition where Raechelle Mae Faelnar bested four other singers for the top prize. Twenty-one booths sold Filipino food and other delicacies.

Also joining in the Fiesta Filipino that day was Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre. Minister Vestre is a member of the Norwegian Parliament from the ruling Labor Party.

That same day, the Kalayaan Gala Night at the Clarion Hotel The Hub saw almost 400 guests in their formal evening Filipiniana dresses and barongs, who enjoyed a three course formal dinner and were treated to a cultural show and danced to the live music by the Good Vibes band.

Also featured during the Gala Night was at the Binibining Kalayaan 2023 pageant. Davaoborn Ybonne Ortega from Trondheim won the crown over six other contestants, and also won as Miss Photogenic and Best in Long Gown. Biliran's Cloi Sugano from Oslo (first runner up), Bohol's Elmira Rellita from Oslo (second runner up) and Southern Leyte's Aivy Paisano from Hamar made up the circle of winners.

Ullensaker Mayor Eyvind J0rgensen Schumacher was a guest and part of the panel of judges of the Binibining Kalayaan 2023.

In his message at the Kalayaan Gala Night, Ambassador Fos paid tribute to the Filipino community in Norway and threw a challenge to its members.

"To my kababayans, you have been our mini-ambassadors in your places of work and residence as you actively take a role and integrate yourselves in these places, promoting Filipino culture and displaying qualitie of competence, hard work, and a positive outlook in life. You already have invigorated churches and communities with your religious fervor and high sense of community. You have made a great impact in your communities. We are very proud of you," he said.

"I encourage you to continue to take an active part in your communities and further make your presence felt wherever you are. I challenge you to take this to the next step. I challenge you to take leadership roles in your communities and in the government," Ambassador Fos added.

On 10 June 2023, the following Saturday, the Independence Day celebrations in Oslo continued with the fun-filled and family-centered Kalayaan Family and Cultural Day at St. Hanshaugen Park.

The whole day celebration attracted thousands of family members who enjoyed the cultural dances and singing of original and traditional Filipino songs and live music from the Good Vibes band. The event started with a Holy Mass in Filipino presided over by Fr. Johan Dumandan.

There were more than enough sumptuous Filipino food, Philippine fruits like mangoes and handcrafts like hand painted bags and handwoven bayong sold by more than 30 booths during the celebration.

Present during the event was Oslo City Governing Mayor Raymond Johansen and his wife Christin Kristoffersen, who joined the short parade at the park and also extended his warm wishes to those present.

There were similar Philippine Independence Day celebrations by several Filipino community organizations held in Drammen and in Horten on June 3 and in Narvik and in Tr0ndelag on June 10. END

Ambassador Fas (center, in barong) and Madame Myla Fas (left of the Ambassador) leads Embassy officers and staff and members of their families during the parade. Around a thousand Filipinos trooped

Karl Johans gate,  Oslo's main thoroughfare, for the parade. (Oslo PE photo)

Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre (second from right) speaks to the Filipino community during the Fiesta Filipino 2023. (Oslo PE photo)

Ambassador Fos gives his remarks at the Kalayaan Kalayaan Gala Night. (Oslo PE photo)

(left photo) Ambassador Fas (third from left) and Madame Fas (fourth from right) with the winners and candidates of Binibining Kalayaan 2023. (right photo) The Ambassador (leftmost) joins Ul/ensaker Mayor

Eyvind J0rgensen Schumacher (rightmost) in crowning Binibining Kalayaan 2023 Ybonne Ortega  (second from left). (Oslo PE photo)

Ambassador and Madame Fas (left and second from left) joins Oslo Governing Mayor Raymond Johansen and his wife Christin

Kristoffersen (second from right and rightmost) at the Kalayaan Cultural and Family Day (Oslo PE photo)

Those who were at the Kalayaan Family and Cultural Day were treated to a performance by the  Good Vibes band, and had their fill of Filipino from the food stalls at the venue.

(Oslo PE photo)

Minister and Consul Raul Dado (leftmost) joined the Filipino community in Narvik and nearby kommunes during their Independence Day

celebrations on 10 June. (Oslo PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/  or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/ .