Filipinos in Vientiane Celebrate Paskong Pinoy 2019

Philippine Ambassador to Laos Belinda Ante (third from right) presents a gift to a raffle winner during Paskong Pinoy 2019 that was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Laos on 08 December 2019 at the Embassy grounds. (Vientiane PE photo)

VIENTIANE 16 December 2019 — A total of 278 Filipinos joined the Christmas celebrations during the Paskong Pinoy 2019 organized by the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Laos on 08 December 2019 at the Embassy grounds. The event featured musical performances, games, raffle draws, gift giving for children, and a Christmas bazaar.

The event opened with the welcoming remarks of Philippine Ambassador to Laos Belinda Ante highlighting the importance of celebrating Christmas, as well as the observances of the 18-day Campaign on Ending Violence Against Women (VAW) which run from 25 November to 12 December 2019 and the Month of Overseas Filipinos, which is celebrated every December. The event also featured games, such as “Bring Me,” “Longest Line,” “Ball Relay,” and “Line Charade” for children and adults. In addition, the Embassy conducted raffle draws, as well as gift giving for children.

At the sidelines of Paskong Pinoy was a Christmas bazaar with Filipino entrepreneurs selling Filipino food, bags, and party supplies. The XonPhao Disabled People Working Group also participated in the bazaar selling accessories, such as jewelry and scarves, which were made by Persons with Disabilities.

The attendees were treated to a traditional Filipino Noche Buena comprising adobo, caldereta, pinakbet, pansit, and biko. ParadIce ice cream also distributed free ice cream for the attendees, while the Embassy provided free-flowing hot chocolate and coffee drinks to the crowd.

The event also featured musical performances by members of the Filipino community, such as a duet of “Rhapsody in D Minor” and “Malagueña” by classical pianists Mr. Jose Marie Formoso and Ms. Michelle Fame Peralta, and Original Pilipino Music performed by Filipino community members, including Vientiane-based bands Nutribun and SHIFT. END

Three teams of children competed to make the “longest line” during Paskong Pinoy 2019. (Vientiane PE photo)

Mr. Poly Banquillo, a member of the Filipino Community in Vientiane, serenades the guests during Paskong Pinoy 2019. (Vientiane PE photo)

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