08 January 2015 – On 14 December 2014, the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok held its annual Christmas celebration, in cooperation with the Filipino Community Organizing Committee (FCOC). The whole-day program began with the raising of the Philippine Flag followed by a liturgical Mass in the morning.

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia welcomed  Filipinos from as far north as Chiang Mai. She also thanked the Filipino community for supporting Embassy activities throughout the year. She encouraged them to continue building a strong community based on a spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood.

Vendors sold their wares, ranging from stylish clothing to homemade Filipino delicacies. Young children played popular Filipino parlor games and performed Christmas carols. Raffles were held for the general public. Various media personalities from Thai media covered several portions of the merry festivities and were treated to traditional Christmas Filipino specialties. As the night arrived, guests enjoyed dinner and dancing while Filipino bands regaled them with their music.

The Filipino Community Organizing Committee is composed  of the heads of the following organizations:  Association of Filipinos in Thailand (AFT), Association of the Miraculous Medal (AMM), Association of Cordilleras in Thailand (ACT), United Filipinos in Thailand (UFT), Phil-Thai Business Club (PTBC), Filipino Workers Association in Thailand (FWAT), Filipino Teachers Association of Thailand (FTAT), Philippine Ladies Group Foundation, Tau Gamma Phi and Tau Gamma Sigma Thailand Council, and the Virgin of Penafrancia Association (VOPA). END