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Filipino Community in Athens Celebrates 127th Philippine Independence Day 

ATHENS 13 June 2025 — The Filipino community in Athens came together for a  vibrant and meaningful celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence,  held on 08 June 2025 at the Open Basketball Court of ONA in Ambelokipi, Athens. This year’s theme, “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” (Freedom, Future, History),  honored the country’s rich history and the shared aspirations of Filipinos at home and abroad. 

Organized by the Accredited Community Partners (ACP), the event began with a grand  parade of community organizations, joined by the Philippine Embassy in Athens, MWO,  and OWWA, who were dressed in their Filipiniana. 

The Embassy was led by Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec and family members,  accompanied by First Secretary and Consul Therese Cantada, Third Secretary and Vice  Consul Christopher P. Castillo, Labor Attaché Cynthia Cruz, and Welfare Officer Marivic  Mondina. Also in attendance were visiting officials from PhilHealth led by VP Atty. Jay R.  Villegas. 

A historical tableau titled “Balik-Tanaw”, performed by students of the Philippine School  in Greece, re-enacted the 1898 declaration of independence in Kawit, Cavite. Messages  from Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans  Leo Cacdac, and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan were conveyed to the  public while Ambassador Palec and Atty. Villegas delivered their respective remarks. 

The first part of the program featured “Hiraya Filipinas” a parade-dance and Filipino music  competition won by the Cordillera Cultural Minorities & Tinguians of Abra in Greece.  Other performances include Tinikling, Sayaw sa Bangko, and community singing “Ako ay  Filipino.” 

The last part of the program was highlighted with the search for “Mutya ng Kalayaan  2025”, with Ms. Roselita Canete of Bukidnon earning the crown. 

Participating booths offered an array of Filipino food, delicacies and Filipino drinks. The  Cordillera Cultural Minorities & Tinguians of Abra in Greece won the best booth which  was decorated with local items from Cordillera region, with a life-size replica of Philippine  Carabaos its main feature. 

The Embassy and MWO-OWWA were present with information booths, free coffee and  ube-cheese pandesal and raffle prizes. The Embassy contributed €1,000 for major prizes  in the raffle draws. 

This celebration reaffirmed the strength and unity of the Filipino community in Greece, and the enduring pride in our heritage and identity. END  

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