PH Embassy in Israel Holds its 10th Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for the FilCom in the Holy Land
From left: Philippine Ambassador to Israel “Neal” Imperial with Bro. Mark Rodney Vertido, National Alliance of Filipino Communities in Israel President Emma Emiliano and The Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel Vice President-External Joeditha Trinanis leads the lighting of the Christmas tree. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
TEL AVIV 17 December 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv in collaboration with the Filipino community in Israel, led a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Terra Sancta School on 07 December 2019. The tradition was started in 2009.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel “Neal” Imperial thanked the more than 250 members of the Filipino community who attended the event for keeping the spirit of Christmas alive in the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Seven groups and individual joined in the parol competition. The winning entry by the Kalipunan ng Lakas at Adhikain (KALAHI), a throwback to the traditional star-shaped parol, was adorned with gold and silver plastic spoons, ropes and dried leaves. The Just Love Travelers’ entry won 2nd Place and the Gandang Babae Philippines Israel Team got 3rd Place.
The program also featured 11 community groups, including the Embassy personnel, who entertained the audience with unique renditions of Christmas carols, including a heartfelt “kantaserye” that centered on an overseas worker's longing to be with her family during the holidays.
The Philippine Embassy holds an annual Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony on the first Saturday of every December. END
The winning parol entry of Kalipunan ng Lakas at Adhikain. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
The St. Francis Choir members as first performers for the Christmas carol singing. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
Santa Claus graced the event with his presence to the delight of the children. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.telavivpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.org.il or https://www.facebook.com/PHinIsrael/.