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/.