20 December 2016 — The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, in partnership with FilClub Bayanihan Festival 2016, successfully held the Bayanihan Festival 2016 on December 16 at the Dubai World Trade Center. Over 5,000 overseas Filipinos took part in the whole-day affair, which featured Philippine-based artists Daniel Matsunaga and Francine Prieto.

In his welcome address, Philippine Consul General to Dubai Paul Raymund Cortes commended the efforts of the leaders of the Community in organizing the grand event, which showcases the contributions of the Filipinos in this part of the world. He added that the Bayanihan epitomizes the social nature of the Filipino both in times of prosperity and distress. Only when Filipinos are united in purpose and spirit, he emphasized, will the nation move forward and achieve its goals as a society.

Bayanihan Festival 2016 Celebration is an annual

event which envisions to reach out to all overseas Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and celebrate the month of Overseas Filipinos. This community year-ender also coincides  with the commemoration of UAE National Day, which falls on December 02 and is also the community’s grand Christmas celebration.

Mini bazaars were set up which featured various food, courier, and apparel companies, among others. Several contests were likewise held such as The Voice Kids Singing Contest, Christmas lantern and tree Contest, On-the-spot Painting Contest, and the Bayanihan Festival Queen 2016. It also featured the first-ever OFW Dakilang Bayani Awards which recognized most promising OFWs in fields such as hospitality, medical, engineers, technicians, drivers and au pair (domestic worker) among others.

Ms. Francine Prieto and Mr. Daniel Matsunaga, talents of ABS-CBN, captivated the hearts of the 5,000 plus strong audience with their songs and dances. Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio Vingno Jr. and his wife, Mme. Yoko Ramos Vingno also graced the event, giving out the Dakilang Bayani Awards to the winners. END