PR-079-2014
Philippine Embassy Entertains Filipino
Community in Riyadh on
Independence Day
(RIYADH, 13 June 2014) – Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago gathered the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community on 13 June 2014 to celebrate the 116th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence.
Reversing the usual practice of community members presenting entertainment and cultural numbers in past national day celebrations, this year the Embassy officers and staff, their spouses and their children prepared song and dance numbers for the delight of the Filipino community.
The program started with the video message of President Benigno S. Aquino which was delivered in Naga City in the morning of 12 June 2014. This was followed by the message of Ambassador Tago.
In his message, Ambassador Tago conveyed his appreciation to the Filipino community for taking time-out from their busy scheduled to attend the celebration. He conveyed to the community the importance of the sacrifices of our heroes for us to gain the freedom and democracy we all enjoy today.
The Filipino community was entertained by the Embassy children’s rendition of the song “I Am But a Small Voice”; followed by a ballet number, “Dalagang Pilipina” performed by Ms. Farrah D. Dingal, nationalistic song “Tagumpay Nating Lahat” by the Philippine Embassy choir, traditional “Pandango sa Ilaw” led by Social Welfare Attache By Ms. Perlita V. Panganiban and Embassy Spouses.
A Filipiniana Fashion Show showcasing traditional/classic, ethnic and contemporary Philippine fashion was participated in by Embassy personnel, spouses and their children.
This was followed by back-to-back song numbers by Minister and Consul General Marshall Louis M. Alferez who sang “Kahit Isang Saglit” and Second Secretary and Consul Mary Jennifer D. Dingal who sang “Ikaw.” For the finale, Ms. Mae I. Galvez, spouse of Attache Emmanuel P. Galvez, sang “Dakilang Lahi”.
During the program, Ambassador Tago took the opportunity to welcome and introduce to the Filipino community the new officers and staff of the Embassy and also bid farewell to its personnel whose tours of duty will be ending in June 2014.
The program was hosted by Second Secretary and Consul Winston Dean S. Almeda.
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