GOVPH

PH Embassy Leads Filipino Community Celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood and 75 Years of Philippine-France Relations

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Ambassador Mahilum-West together with the Paris PE staff during the event (Photo credit: Lorenz Castro)

PARIS 29 June 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in France led the Filipino Community in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence and nationhood and 75th anniversary of Philippines-France Relations on 17 June 2023 at the Church of Sainte Jeanne de Chantal, Porte de Saint Cloud in Paris.

Over 100 members of the Filipino community representing various organizations celebrated the twin anniversaries which began with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Fr. Leo Balaguer.

The mass was followed by a formal program that included a flag raising ceremony and the reading of the messages of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo.

In her message, Philippine Ambassador to France Junever M. Mahilum-West encouraged the Filipino community to continue to introduce Philippine culture and maintain the good reputation of the Philippines and Filipinos in France. (Ipagpatuloy nating ipakilala ang ating kultura at sa abot ng ating makakaya ay panatilihing malinis at maipagmamalaki ang reputasyon ng Pilipinas at ng Pilipino sa bansang ito.)”

The Ambassador also encouraged the Filipino community to vote and to remember that the future of our country is in their hands. Ambassador Mahilum-West also encouraged Filipinos to care for and look after one another, especially our seniors.

After the formal program, the community was treated to a ballet performance by the visiting group Dance Theater Manille led by Artistic Director Elinor L. Dioko. The performance was called “The Paris-Manila Project” a collaborative work of Ms. Dioko and Paris choreographer and dancer Elizabeth Gahl Le Nôtre.

Ms. Dioko cited the project’s aims to celebrate and showcase the richness of the cultures of both countries, particularly the beautiful movements and dances influenced by both countries’ history and way of life. Other performances included a poetry reading, dance performance by seniors and rendition of contemporary and classical Filipino songs.

The event was capped by a fashion show showcasing the best Filipiniana attire worn by guests at the event. END

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Over 100 members of the Filipino Community (FilCom) representing various organizations celebrated the twin anniversaries which began with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Fr. Leo Balaguer.

(Photo credit: Lorenz Castro)

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