FilCom in Brunei Celebrate Pasko Sa Pasuguan 2019

The International Family Organization (IFO) receives the grand prize for the Parol-Making contest from Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero and Jollibee-Brunei, one of the Embassy’s corporate partners for the event. (Brunei PE photo)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 18 December 2019 – The Philippine Embassy in Brunei organized its annual year-end gathering with members of the Filipino Community dubbed Pasko sa Pasuguan 2019 on 13 December 2019. The event was held within the premises of the Chancery and attended by more than four hundred (400) guests.

The two-hour long program featured the announcement of the winners for the Parol-making competition,performances by Embassy personnel, invited musical performers/bands from the Filipino community, and a dance number by the official mascots of Jollibee.  

The parol-making competition was participated in by a total of 19 Filipino associations/organizations. The Christmas lanterns showcased Filipino artistry and ingenuity through the use of recycled materials. All the entries adorned the Embassy’s Consular section for a week and were lighted in full display at the stage during the program, adding to the overall festive trimmings of the event.  

The parol submitted by the International Family Organization (IFO) emerged as Best Parol that included a cash prize from LBC Express Inc. and gift certificates from Jollibee-Brunei. The first runner-up was the Overseas Filipinos Workers Global Movement for Empowerment, Inc. (OFWGME) (with cash prize from the Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attache and gift certificates from Jollibee-Brunei) and the second runner- up from the Guardians Socialite Society Incorporated (GSSI) (with cash prize from Embassy personnel and gift certificates from Jollibee-Brunei). The entry was also voted as the People’s Choice Award for garnering the most number of votes from consular clients of the Embassy.

All the other groups that submitted entries in the Parol-Making contest received a cash prize, a gift basket, and a certificate of appreciation from the Embassy.

Another highlight of the event was the surprise dance performance of the whole cast of Jollibee and Friends which marked only the second time that the entire cast of Jollibee mascots rendered a performance in Brunei since the top Filipino food corporation established its first store in the Sultanate in 1987.

Other Filipino musical acts participated the event, including a rondalla group of young students from the district of Kuala Belait who rendered performances of traditional Filipino songs and Christmas carols.

Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero emphasized the significance of Christmas in the lives of Filipinos in his welcome remarks. He assured that the Embassy, as the permanent home of all Filipinos in Brunei Darussalam, will always open its doors to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Guests were treated to Philippine traditional dishes and delicacies such as pancit canton, fried chicken, beef caldereta, and rice delicacies puto, cassava cake, pichi-pichi, among others. The young guests were also treated to a Jollibee chicken-strips meal after the program.

The attendees expressed their appreciation to the Embassy for organizing the event and for bringing the Christmas spirit alive within the Filipino community. END

The Philippine Embassy personnel led by Ambassador Christopher B. Montero, render Christmas Carols for the guests. (Brunei PE photo)

Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero poses with young guests for a photo opportunity with Jollibee and Friends. (Brunei PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassybrunei.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBrunei/.