09 July 2015 - The Filipino community in France celebrated the annual “Pista sa Paris” in Stade de la Muette in Paris commemorating the 117TH Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence organized by the General Committee of Filipino Associations in France in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Paris.
Following the reading of the President Benigno S. Aquino and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario’s Independence Day messages, Consul General Deena Joy D. Amatong thanked the organizers of the said one day program and encouraged the FilCom members to register at the Embassy for the Overseas Voting for the 2016 Philippine national elections
The program started with a street parade from Place du Trocadero to Stade de la Muette, which was lead by the officials and staff of the Philippine Embassy as well as various Filipino associations, dressed in their traditional Philippine dress.
Several booths were set up by Filipino associations representing different regional and ethnic groups, showcasing their local products and cuisine.
International singing sensation Ms. Charice Pempengco was this year’s celebrity performer. The UP Concert Chorus on tour in Europe also sang various Filipino and English songs. Other cultural presentations and dance numbers were performed by numerous Filipino associations.
Other highlights of the program included the coronation of Mutya ng Kalayaan 2015, a sports fest among the various Filipino community organization, a contest on most innovative gown made of recycled materials and a grand raffle draw where three lucky participants were awarded round-trip tickets to the Philippines. END