PH Embassy Joins Community-Led Independence Day Event at Cape Town

Clockwise from left: (1) Filipino community members lead the singing of the Philippine national anthem; (2) First Secretary and Consul Maurice Tiempo addresses the crowd; and (3) Attendees enjoy the Filipino fiesta vibe during the event.

PRETORIA 16 June 2025 — Around 188 Filipinos and their South African spouses and friends came together for the Philippine Independence Day celebration held on 08 June 2025 at the Edgemead Montevista Community Centre in Cape Town.

Organized by the Filipino Community of the Western Cape, the event allowed Filipinos based in one of the major provinces of South Africa to not only celebrate an important milestone of Philippine nationhood, but also to renew their commitment to a more stable, peaceful and prosperous Philippines.

In his remarks, First Secretary and Consul Maurice A. Tiempo, expounding on this year’s Philippine Independence Day theme of Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan, urged the Filipino attendees to honor the legacy of the heroes of the Philippine revolution by engaging deeper in nation-building and continuously spreading the positive image of Filipinos globally.

He also underscored that Filipinos should be proud of the collective gains and resilience of the Filipino nation throughout history, as well as the country’s continuing contributions to create a better world for all, especially in upholding international law and a rules-based order.

In true Filipino fashion, the event was a celebration of the rich and vibrant Filipino culture, heritage and talent. Members of the community performed Filipino-inspired song and dance numbers as varied as traditional dances such as pandanggo rinconada, and tinikling, reenactment of a harana (Filipino serenade), and interpretations of popular Filipino songs.

The event also served as a platform for Filipino entrepreneurs in the area to sell Filipino dishes and other products.

The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria will continue to implement and support programs and initiatives aimed at fostering greater unity and camaraderie among the vibrant Filipino community in South Africa. END

Clockwise from left: Filipino talents on full display during the event, with members of the Filipino community in Western Cape performing (1) Dayang-Dayang; (2) Ati-Atihan; (3) Tinikling; and (4) Sisiwit.

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