AUTHENTICATION
04 July 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR celebrated the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 26 at Conrad Hotel. During her speech, newly-arrived Consul General Bernardita L. Catalla, highlighted the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Hong Kong which saw an outpouring of assistance from members of the Hong Kong and Filipino communities who raised funds in support of relief and rehabilitation efforts for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan in November 2013.
Consul General Catalla also invited the guests, led by Hong Kong SAR Financial Secretary John Tsang, to view the Colors of Freedom exhibit, initiated by the Filipinas Heritage Library and Ayala Land, depicting the story of the Philippine flag which was first sewn in Hong Kong in May 1898 by Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter, Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa Natividad, a niece of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
As guest of honor for the celebration, Hong Kong SAR Financial Secretary Tsang underscored the strong and renewed bilateral relations between the Philippines and Hong Kong, and highlighted the Philippines’ outstanding economic performance in the recent years.
During the reception, guests were served Filipino dishes specially prepared by Conrad Hotel sous chef, Larry Orias, and lechon flown in from the Philippines by Philippine Airlines. Desserts included fruits from Del Monte, tiramisu made with coffee liqueur from the Philippines, as well as sorbetes or Philippine ice cream in calamansi, ube (yam), coconut and banana flavors. Destileria Limtuaco and San Miguel Beer also provided beverages.
Philippine music and artistry were also featured at the event with performances from young
Filipino artists Stefanie Quintin, Agnes Quilicot and Dennis Quilicot. Genting Hong Kong Limited and Resorts World Manila flew in from the Philippines the group, PrimoVerra, who sang Filipino pop songs. The company also sponsored a cruise package for the event’s lucky draw.
Guests took home dried mangoes dipped in chocolates courtesy of SMART Pinoy and PLDT-Hong Kong, and bags from the Department of Tourism of the Philippines as souvenirs. END
OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
