27 June 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz led Embassy, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) officers and staff in gracing the Santa Cruzan sa Beirut on May 25, which was organized by Fr. Agustin Advincula, the Chaplain of the Roman Catholic Pastoral Community of Beirut. The annual event was participated in by members of the Filipino community in Lebanon and two guest artists from the Philippines, Mr. Mikoy Morales and Mr. Terence Baylon.
The whole day event started at 9:00 A.M. with the procession of the Emperatrix, Maria Elenas and the Sagalas and their escorts, followed by a holy mass at the church in Sassine, Achrafieh and a grand velada held at the Crystal Ballroom of the Commodore Hotel in Hamra, Beirut.
In her message she delivered after the holy mass, Ambassador Ruiz congratulated Fr. Agustin and the participants for organizing the event and keeping the tradition of honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary in the month of May. She welcomed the two guest artists who were in Lebanon to participate in the annual religious event and took the opportunity to invite the attendees to attend the Philippine Food Festival and Cultural Show to be held on June 8 on the occasion of the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. She also encouraged the attendees to register during the Festival as overseas voters for the 2016 presidential elections. END