PH Embassy in Rome, OWWA, Philippine Independence Day Association Celebrate Independence Day and Balik-Saya sa Italya 2024
More than 6,000 Filipinos in Rome and its neighboring cities celebrated the 126th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence through the highly-anticipated Balik-Saya sa Italya 2024
ROME 25 June 2024 – More than 6,000 Filipinos in Rome and its neighboring cities gathered to celebrate the 126th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence and the highly-anticipated Balik-Saya sa Italya 2024, on 09 June 2024 at the Atlantico Live! at Vialle Dell’Oceano Atlantico 271D, Rome. Organized by the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Independence Day Association (PIDA), the grand event brought together different Filipino communities in a day of entertainment, featuring cultural performances by Overseas Filipinos (OFs) in Italy, as well as the talents of the Balik-Saya team.
Ambassador Neal Imperial, officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Rome, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Attorney Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan, and OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio graced the event. In his message for the community, the Ambassador thanked OWWA, Administrator Ignacio, the Board of Trustees and their whole team for making Rome its one and only stop in Europe with Balik-Saya sa Italya 2024. Meanwhile, Consul General Randy Arquiza highlighted the importance of celebrating important events in Philippine history as one community. He thanked the OFs in Italy and all over the world for their invaluable contribution in the progress of the Philippines and their host country. According to Consul General Arquiza, Filipino workers are globally known and respected because of their resilience, determination and hardworking spirit.
The Ambassador further lauded the officers and staff of PIDA, and the various Filipino groups, for their service and commitment to bringing together Filipino families and groups in Rome every year to commemorate the anniversary of Philippine Independence.
The Balik-Saya event was hosted by Filipino singers and stand up comedians Norman Balbuena aka Boobay and Vlademir Mathew Corcuera aka Pepita Curtis, and featured The Clash Season 3 Grand Champion, Ms. Jessica Villarubin. The show is a revival of OWWA’s Hatid Saya program, and the agency’s way of expressing its appreciation to the hardworking and resilient Overseas Filipinos (OFs), who play an important role in the progress of their two home countries, the Philippines and Italy.
Administrator Ignacio lauded the OFs for coming out and showing their support to the event. According to him, his work as OWWA Administrator made him realize the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the OFs, and inspired him to strengthen their existing programs to provide the best services for the OFs and their families.
In addition to a day of cultural performances, the event highlighted the exceptional and diverse talents within the community through the OFW Got Talent segment. The day-long celebration witnessed the performance of over forty (40) Filipino individuals and groups (first part of the event) evaluated by a panel of judges who chose the top (5) performers: Bea Jacinto (song number), Calaca Community (folk dance), International Philippine SchooI of Italy (IPSI) (interpretative dance), Volunteers of Black Nazarene of Scala Santa (song and dance number), and Hermes Dance Crew (dance number) to qualify for the finals (second part). In the end, the group of young Filipino hip hop dancers, the Hermes Dance Crew, emerged as the grand champion.
Prior to the announcement of winners, the crowd from all over Rome enjoyed the standout performances of the hosts, and were treated to song numbers, including the duet of Administrator Ignacio and singer Ms. Villarubin. In addition to the entertainment segment, OWWA representatives likewise provided OWWA-related information, consultation and a welfare desk for OFs and their families.
As in the previous years of hosting, PIDA was able to gather various organizations and Filipino businesses in Rome to participate as exhibitors. In the outdoor bazaar, about fifty (50) food vendors served most-loved Filipino food and booths displayed cultural materials. Recognizing the event as the perfect avenue for tourism promotion, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-London, headed by Tourism Attaché Gerry Panga, also participated in the event.
With thousands in participation, the Independence Day celebration with Balik-Saya sa Italya 2024 proved to be a very effective opportunity for the Filipino community in Rome and surrounding areas to come together and celebrate the event. END
Philippine Ambassador Neal Imperial, Ambassador to Italy, Malta, Albania and San Marino, delivers his message in front of a crowd of over 6,000 at the Atlantico Live!
Consul General Randy Arquiza thanks the Overseas Filipinos (OFs) for coming out and showing their support to the Embassy, OWWA and PIDA
Guests were treated to a day of Cultural performances, singing, dancing, and extraordinary talents
PIDA President Luis Salle thanks the Philippine Embassy, OWWA, officers, staff and volunteers of PIDA, and the whole Filipino community for making the event a success
Administrator Ignacio thanks the Filipino community for the overwhelming support
Three-year old Ayesha Gascon wows the crowd with her song number, Nosi Balasi
Hermes Dance Crew, a group of young Filipino dancers, emerged as the Grand Champion
The Clash Season 3 Grand Champion, Ms. Jessica Villarubin, entertains the crowd with her singing prowess
Administrator Ignacio treats the crowd to a surprise number with Ms. Villarubin, singing the Filipino favorite, “Bakit ngayon ka lang”
Consul General Arquiza (left) with the members of OWWA-Rome
Representatives from DOT London, headed by Tourism Attaché Gerry Panga, set up a booth a tourism booth
Rows of close to fifty (50) food vendors served some of the most-loved Filipino food and snacks
For more information, visit https://www.romepe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinItaly/, https://www.instagram.com/phinitaly or https://twitter.com/PHinItaly.