23 July 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A. Morales led officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy and its attached agencies, as well as representatives of the Filipino community in celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini, who was known as the “sublime paralytic” and “Brains of the Philippine Revolution”, on July 19 at the chancery along 20 Nassim Road, Singapore.
The morning ceremony started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem led by the Philippine Embassy Cultural Group.
Vice Consul Oliver Delfin recited “The True Decalogue” accompanied by a dramatization performed by Msgt. Rommel Carbon of the Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attaché.
Ambassador Morales led the unveiling of the official banner and logo of the celebration, “Mabini@150”.
During the main program, a group of volunteers from the Filipino Overseas Workers in Singapore (FOWS) presented the “subli”, a popular traditional dance in Mabini’s home province of Batangas. A short video clip showing the major milestones in Mabini’s life was also shown.
Working on the theme of the event, “Talino at Paninindigan,” Ambassador Morales exhorted the audience to emulate Apolinario Mabini, who, in his short lifetime, has placed the welfare of the nation ahead of his personal interests and showed the way that even with physical disability, one can make a difference for the country.
“Pinatunayan niya (Mabini) na hindi sagabal ang kapansanan para maging instrumento ng pagbabago sa lipunan,” the Ambassador said.
He also reminded the community that every Filipino outside of the Philippines is deemed an “ambassador” of the country and has the responsibility of spreading the good image of the Philippines and in promoting good relations with other nationalities.
A salu-salo, featuring Philippine native dishes and Batangas’ popular “kapeng barako” and “sinaing na tulingan,” capped the ceremony. END