11 December 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon attended the search for Miss Waka Waka 2013 organized by the Waka Waka Group Forever, an association of Filipinos in Lebanon.  This year’s search was its third on December 9.  Vice Consul Rona Beth Goce, Labor Attaché Bulyok Nilong, Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) officer Dexter Macaraeg and Information Officer Edwin Batallones represented the Embassy during the event.

At the start of the program, a song dedicated to the victims of typhoon Yolanda in central Philippines was sung.  Still photographs of the devastation as well as relief operations in the central Philippines were flashed in the white cloth background of the stage while the music was played.  

Before the start of the search for Ms. Waka Waka, Vice Consul Goce read the message of Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz for the event. In her message, Ambassador Ruiz commended the group for organizing the event in order to foster unity among Filipinos in Lebanon and also assured them of the Embassy’s support in all their activities. Vice Consul Goce also reiterated the Embassy’s request for all the Filipino community organizations in Lebanon to submit the names and contact details of its officers and members and emphasized the importance of getting this information to enable the Embassy to extend timely assistance particularly in situations of emergency. Labor Attaché Bulyok Nilong also delivered a brief message.

This year’s search for Ms. Waka Waka saw 10 Filipino candidates from different parts of Beirut and nearby areas vying for the title.  The candidates paraded on stage in their casual attires and evening gowns and competed in the talent presentations and Q&A portion.  Before the winner was announced, special awards were given to the candidates.   Winning the title for this year’s search is Ms. Laila Lea Samson, while first runner-up is Ms. Karen Joy Handerin, and Ms. Lorielyn Duldolao was adjudged second runner-up.  The event was sponsored by Lebanese businessmen as well as Filipino supporters. END