05 June 2015 – Filipino fiestas and fashion will be the centerpiece of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur’s commemoration of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a Filipino-Malaysian community parade and program dubbed “Fiesta sa Embahada 2015” on June 7 (Sunday) and a fashion show, musical performance, and reception on June 12 (Friday).
“For the fourth straight year, we again bring the beauty and richness of Philippine culture as we commemorate our nation’s founding. In line with Visit Philippines Year 2015 and Malaysia’s Year of Festivals, we would like to bring the Filipino fiesta to Malaysia,” Philippine Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said.
The parade, which is organized by the Federation of Filipino Associations in Malaysia (FFAM), is expected to draw in some 2,000 participants and will traverse Kuala Lumpur’s premiere commercial centers, and pass by the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers. Ms. Menchie Anonuevo of the Malaysia-Filipino Club is the Chairperson of the FFAM this year.
Filipino singer-actress Giselle Sanchez will serve as the parade’s honorary Grand Marshall. She will also perform in the program following the parade, where a fiesta atmosphere will pervade the Chancery grounds featuring Filipino food, games, music, and a program showcasing the talents of Filipino-Malaysian community members.
Last year, around 2,000 Filipinos came out in colorful costumes bearing flower-festooned arches as community members paraded along the streets of noted shopping and tourist district Jalan Bukit Bintang.
Corporate sponsors for the events include Pag-ibig Fund, PLDT Malaysia/Smart Pinoy, Cebu Pacific, Bank of the Philippine Islands, SM Development Corporation, Petron Malaysia, LBC Cargo, SpeedSend, BDO Remit, and UAE Exchange.
On June 12, the Embassy will host an Independence Day reception for the diplomatic corps, senior Malaysian government officials, and leading businessmen and women. The reception will feature a fashion show of Filipiniana and Filipiniana-inspired couture of Manila-based designer Joel Bautista and accessories by Malaysia-based Filipino Gina Frias-Himpe.
To provide musical entertainment at the reception are flutist Roberto Tarang, violinist Maria Liza Lopez-Tarang and pianist Marius Villaroman, who will fly to Malaysia courtesy of the Philippine National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
“Every year, the Embassy presents an art form to be our showcase for our Independence Day celebrations. After music, visual arts and dance, which were featured in previous years, it is time for Filipino fashion to take centerstage in our celebrations,” Ambassador Malaya said.
Lending support to the show and performance are Cebu Pacific and PLDT Malaysia/Smart Pinoy. END