13 September 2016 — The Philippine Consulate in Dubai and the Northern Emirates celebrated the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence on September 06 at the Marriott Al Jaddaf, Dubai, U.A.E.
The Philippine Independence Day which falls on the 12th of June was rescheduled to a later date as it fell within the Ramadan period.
Over 400 guests attended the Diplomatic Reception with U.A.E. Senior Minister of State H.E. Dr. Rashid Bin Ahmed Bin Fahad as Guest of Honor, and 40 Consuls General in the Dubai and the Northern Emirates as VIP guests. The Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of U.A.E. noted that the Diplomatic Reception was one of the most attended by the Consuls General, with full attendance from the GCC missions and the participation of the Asian Consuls General (especially India, China, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN), as well as the Consuls General from Europe, Africas, and the Americas. Members of Dubai’s business corps were also present, including the ASEAN Business Council Alliance and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund P. Cortes opened the formal program with his remarks, in which he stated that the celebration of the Philippine Independence in September opens the meaning of the country’s freedom to a wider and more symbolic perspective, stressing that the commemoration of the birth of a nation and of a people goes beyond the limits of dates on a calendar.
For this reception, the Consulate chose to highlight the exceptional talent and creativity of the Filipino, showcasing the designs and creations of four (4) famous Dubai-based Filipino fashion/couture designers – Ezra Santos, Jimi Buenconsejo (exclusive designer of the Maktoum Royal Family), Bandoix Flores and Michael Cinco. Also featured were Golden South Sea Pearls by Jewelmer, which Consul General Cortes emphasized that the pearls were native only to the seas of the Philippines.
A jeepney fender was also displayed, the design of which, the Consul General noted, encapsulates famed Filipino creativity and vivacity. Marriott also prepared several Filipino signature cuisine along with an array of international dishes.
All officers and staff of the Consulate, including their spouses, led by Mme. Yasmin Cortes, had the opportunity to serenade the audience with their chorale rendition of Celeste Legaspi and Ryan Caybyab’s “Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako” to great applause. This performance was meant to highlight their commitment not only to serve the public through consular services and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) affairs but also in embodying all that the Filipino represents particularly in art, music, and culture.
At the sidelines of the event, the Consulate launched its joint project with LBC and Atty. Barney Almazar, noted Filipino legal practitioner in the U.A.E. and one of the TOYM awardees, titled “Ask Atty Barney and Isumbong mo kay Congen.”
Souvenir bags from the Philippine Tourism Office in Dubai were also given to the dignitaries and guests at the end of the event.
Ambassador Constancio Vingno, Jr., accompanied by Mrs. Yoko Vingno and the officers of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Vice Consul Rowena Daquipil and Vice Consul Ryan Pangwi were also present during the event. END
