15 June 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi commemorated the 118th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the Filipino community at Dalma Mall, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, on June 03, where more than 1,000 Filipinos attended.
It was organized by the Bayanihan Council, the umbrella organization of all Filipino organizations in Abu Dhabi, with the support of the Philippine Embassy.
The event opened with a lively song and dance number from the members of the Amazing Artist Academy. The welcome remarks were then delivered by Engr. Jeffrey Uy, Chairman of Bayanihan Council. This was followed by the inspirational message of Philippine Ambassador to United Arab Emirates Constancio R. Vingno, Jr.
In his remarks, Ambassador Vingno recalled the sacrifice of Filipino forebears in their struggle to attain the independence of our country. He thanked the Filipinos living in the UAE for their contributions in enhancing the Philippines’ culture, economy and image. He enjoined the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi to unite under the incoming administration. “Let us all unite as one Filipino people and march together forward as we turn the page to welcome a new chapter of the history of our free nation,” Ambassador Vingno said.
Production numbers featuring the evolution of the flag and milestones in Philippine history were presented by member organizations of the Bayanihan Council including the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE-UAE Chapter), Filipino Association for Computer Excellence (FACE), Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit at Mananayaw sa Abu Dhabi (OPMMAD), Abu Dhabi Filipino Dance Club (ADFDC), Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME), Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), and the Order of the Knights of Rizal – Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter.
Meanwhile, dance numbers featuring Filipino folk dances as well as ballroom dances were presented by the students of the Philippine Emirates Private School (PEPS), The Philippine Global School (TPGS), Filipino International Teachers in the Society (FITS), and the Abu Dhabi Filipino Dance Club. Child performers from Brilliant Talent Kids performed dance numbers to OPM and popular songs as well.
The event’s finale featured live bands of Alumni of the Sisters of Mary School Inc. (ASMSI), Bandang Ela, Konektados, Kontrabeda, and Brownfusion. Various raffle prizes, including roundtrip airline tickets to Manila, were also given away
Engr. Jethroefel Ramboyong and Ana Maria Paler of Toastmasters Abu Dhabi, and DJs Kabayan Bluebird and Louie da Costa of Tag 91.1 served as hosts during different segments of the event. END.
