02 June 2016 - In celebration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 40th Anniversary of Philippines-Jordan relations, the Embassy of the Philippines in Amman, in cooperation with the Filipino-Jordanian community under the patronage of the Greater Amman Municipality, successfully held the first-ever Pistang Pinoy and Santacruzan 2016 on May 27 at Wakalat Street, Swefieh, Amman.
An audience of roughly 3,000 people occupied Wakalat Street, which included the diplomatic corps, Jordanian government officials, the Filipino and Jordanian communities and other foreign nationals. Mayor Aqel Biltaji of the Greater Amman Municipality was the guest of honor. Some 25 Ambassadors were also present, including the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín.
In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West focused on two themes:
- Thanksgiving on behalf of the Filipino Community for finding a home away from home in Jordan; and
- Celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, the 40th Anniversary of Philippines-Jordan relations, as well as Jordan’s Independence Day (May 25).
Following the welcoming remarks, Foreign Affairs Secretary Rene Almendras’ message was read.
According to locals, the Pistang Pinoy and Santacruzan celebrations brought Wakalat Street to life, which sits at the heart of the Swefieh area, one of the major commercial districts in Amman. For the event, the whole street was closed off to vehicular traffic and decorated with buntings, Philippine and Jordanian flags, flowers, tourism promotional posters and balloons which created an atmosphere of the fiesta celebration in the Philippines. Several booths were put up to showcase Philippine cuisine and food products from Mama Sita, Magic Melt and HDR Foods Corporation. There was also a live cooking demonstration of pancit and lumpia.
The side streets were also venues for Philippine games such as basagang palayok, pabitin, sack race and tug of war. In keeping with the fiesta atmosphere, free Filipino food was served for the public. The Embassy also hosted a reception at La Saison restaurant for its VIP guests.
The highlight of the event was the Santacruzan, where 24 ladies from the Filipino-Jordanian community representing the major characters of the Santacruzan or sagalas paraded down the street. They were led by a group of dancers showcasing the Sinulog festival in the Philippines. Some of the sagalas wore gowns made of recycled materials as their entry to the Obra Basura competition, a nod to environmental conservation.
During the program, Philippine dances such as tinikling and carinosa were performed; also kundiman and OPM songs were rendered.
The event was very well received and lauded by the public, especially the Jordanian community, who experienced the festive atmosphere of May in the Philippines for the first time. The Filipino community also expressed their gratitude as the event reinvigorated their pride and love for the Philippines. END
