22 October 2015 - The Filipino community gathered for a whole day of sports, games, singing and dance competitions, PasiklaBands and entertainment at the “UAE-Filipino Family Fun Day” held on October 16 at the Armed Forces and Officers Club (AFOC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The community also paid tribute to outgoing Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Grace Relucio Princesa. 

The biggest crowd drawer was the Job Fair where 25 companies in the UAE accepted applications from about 2,000 job seekers who came to the venue.  The Philippine Embassy conducted on-site registration for overseas voting. SSS and Pag-IBIG also put up information desks, along with other private companies. 

In her so-called “State of the Bayanihan Address” (SOBA), Ambassador Princesa said she hopes to share with everyone a copy of her write-up entitled “Ako ay Pilipino:  Taas Noo Kahit Kanino” to spread the message of love of God and love of country, and for every Filipino to reflect on who he is and what his role is in this world. 

Ambassador Princesa thanked her Country Team, the Bayanihan Council, and all who have supported her.  “My dreams have come true. I will go home happy, knowing that I have done my best in the UAE,” she concluded.  She then invited everyone to join her in the singing of “Sino Ako” and “Ako ay Pilipino”.

The event was organized by the Bayanihan Council, the umbrella organization of all Filipino organizations accredited to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Embassy, POLO and OWWA Abu Dhabi.  END