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Top 7 things to do this Independence Day

DUBAI: Ambassador Hjayceelyn M. Quintana has called on the Filipino community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to celebrate the Philippines’ sustained economic development and urged overseas Filipinos to participate in nation-building.

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“I join the Filipinos across the United Arab Emirates in commemorating the 121st Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day,” said the ambassador in her message to the community.”

“This day reminds us once again of our inspiring history as we honor the sacrifices and courage of our forefathers who secured the freedom that we, Filipinos, enjoy and cherish as a people,” she said.

“On this auspicious day,” she added, “let us celebrate the country’s continued economic growth, massive gains in the peace process in the Southern Philippines, and its enhanced global presence in the community of nations through regional and international engagements and partnerships.”

Quintana added: “We call on all Filipinos overseas, our modern-day heroes, to remain confident in our country’s bright prospects, and implore you to participate in nation-building.”

Collective spirit

For his part, Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes said this year’s celebrations in Dubai promises to be even more successful than the previous years.

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“The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and the Philippine Independence Day Organizing Committee have always endeavored to organize activities that would create an even greater awareness of Philippine art, culture, and heritage,” Cortes said.

He said preparations for this year’s event started two months ago in April.

In the same vein, Cortes reminded everyone to “share these momentous occasions with our brothers and sisters of different ethnicities and nationalities who likewise have come to call the UAE their second home.”

“Our responsibility in a multi-cultural set up such as that of the UAE must be blanketed with the virtues of acceptance, respect, and understanding of the varied cultures, religions, and ways of thought of the other migrant communities,”  he said.

The consul general asked OFWs to be “worthy ambassadors of goodwill to the rest of the communities here in the UAE.”

Celebrations

Meantime, this year’s Philippine Independence Day celebrations will emphasize on and feature the proud-worthy essence of how it truly is to be a Filipino experiencing the freedom we all deserve.

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The spotlight is also going to be well-observed in all of the Northern Emirates – Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Celebrations have also taken off the ground in Abu Dhabi which will highlight, among other activities, the much-awaited Mutya ng Kasarinlan beauty pageant spearheaded by the United Cebuanos – Abu Dhabi chapter, led by their president, 2017 TFT Fashion Designer of the Year, Aldwin ‘Jlo’ Ornopia.

The festive occasion for Filipinos in the UAE will also witness exceptional performances on stage featuring the Sinulog, Kadayawan, Pista sa Nayon, Karakol, and Igorot festival for the segment Piyestang Filipino.

This year’s celebrations will also showcase Dubai-based, world-class talents Izhcka Zeta, Garimon Escandor Roferos, Ryan Pacioles, Harvey Cenit, Benj Dela Rosa, and Angel Villar de Jesus with their internationally-renowned works of art  in a dazzling catwalk for Ystilo at Moda.

Another pioneering segment set to entertain the crowd is Pinoy Salamangka, featuring spectacular talents behind the whiteface make-up of UAE’s amusing clowns

The event will also feature two Kapamilya stars: actor and model Zanjoe Marudo and R&B singer-songwriter and host Kyla.

Younger generation

Meantime Jason Bucton, vice chair of the Philippine Independence Day Organizing Committee said the celebrations are meant to show to the younger generations the importance of Philippine culture and history.

“PID is a reminder to all of us how our heroes fought for freedom,” said Bucton.

He added: “It is significant to every Overseas Filipino as a reminder that we are our own heroes; we fight for freedom from every challenge in life, we fight for financial freedom, and a lot of things.

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For his part, Engr. Elmer Casao. head of the Bayanihan Council is Abu Dhabi said Philippine Independence Day is a reminder of how Filipinos fought for freedom.  “I think more important is yung values di dapat nakakalimutan and the very essence of independence that we are enjoying now – yun yung nagbibigay sa ating mga Pilipino ng kalayaan na mag-express, kalayaan na mamili kung ano ang gusto, basta kung ano uyug tama at nararapat,” he said.


Top 7 things to do this Independence Day

As the Philippine Embassy, Philippine Consulate and the Filipino community as a whole prepare for the 121st Philippine Independence Day celebrations in the country, they have strategically partnered with entertainment venues for Filipinos to enjoy a fun-filled month that they’ll never forget.

Here are the top activities for the month of June that celebrate the occasion of the Philippine Independence especially for Filipinos:

 

Dubai

Dubai Parks and Resorts

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Location: Motiongate Theme Park, Legoland Dubai, Bollywood Parks

Date: June 12 – 15

Cost: Dh 39 for all three theme parks

Filipinos will get to enjoy three theme parks for a very, very affordable price of just Dh 39! Upon presentation of their identification card at the game, they can now take their memorable selfies together with the family and the barkada as they roam around and enjoy the sights and sounds with exclusive all-day food and merchandise offers, as well as live entertainment.

 

Arnel Pineda Live in Dubai

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Location: Dubai World Trade Centre Zabeel Hall

Date: June 14

Cost: Ticket prices start from Dh 99

Pinoy fans of nostalgic hits from Journey such as Faithfully, Don’t Stop Believin’, Open Arms and more can now get to sing together with Journey’s Filipino frontman Arnel Pineda in a one-night only concert happening at Dubai World Trade Centre’s Zabeel Hall! Tickets to the concert, presented by DJMC events, is now available via platinumlist.net. Doors open 7:00 pm.

 

121st Philippine Independence Day celebrations at DWTC

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Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Zabeel Hall 5

Date: June 14

Cost: Free entry

Thousands of Filipinos are expected to coverage at the day-long 121st Philippine Independence Day (PID) celebrations spearheaded by the Philippine Consulate General for Dubai and the Northern Emirates and the Dubai’s PID Organizing Committee. The event showcase various activities including ‘Mga Sayaw Natin’ and ‘Piyestang Filipino’– a celebration of the Philippines’ festive dances and cultural activities, that will feature ‘Ystilo at Moda’ that will feature world class fashion designs, as well as talent competitions including ‘Indak: Dance Showdown’, ‘Himig at Awit’, ‘Bandigmaan’, ‘Pinoy Salamangka’. Spicing up the festivities are Star Magic’s Kyla and Zanjoe Marudo as Filipino celebrity guests!

 

Meet and Greet with Zanjoe Marudo at West Zone

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Location: West Zone: Al Khail Mall

Date: June 15

Cost: Two entry tickets free with the subscription of OSN Pinoy package at any West Zone branch.

Long time fans of Pinoy hunk Zanjoe Marudo can score an exclusive meet and greet session if they subscribe to OSN Pinoy package at any West Zone branches across the UAE. “It’s an absolute delight na makita ang mga ngiti ng ating mga Kapamilya pag nakakasama nila kaming mga artista. Alam ko na kahit papano nabibigyan namin sila ng saya,” shares Zanjoe about his upcoming visit.

 

IMAGINE: Lights, Water and Laser Show

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Location: Dubai Festival City

Date: June 12 onwards

Cost: Free

The spectacular, magnificent display of water, lights, and laser show happening daily with the festive lights will fire up the evening as the UAE celebrates together with the Philippines for the Independence Day. The show has two distinct themes: ‘Star Dancer’ and ‘A Child’s Dream’ that cater to individuals of all ages who wish to relish in a mystifying view of Dubai at night.

 

 

Abu Dhabi

Kabayan Beach Fiesta

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Location: Yas Waterworld

Date: June 14

Cost: Dh 55 per person

The  Bayanihan Council in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Yas Waterworld, will give a heavily discounted price for the world-famous water theme park! Filipinos can enjoy Yas Waterworld’s 40 worldclass rides, slides and attractions and the venue will also be hosting a live Filipino music village, an immersive experience with Sari-sari stores as well as traditional cultural performances.

 

121st Philippine Independence Day celebrations at Abu Dhabi Breakwater Theatre

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Location: Abu Dhabi Breakwater Theatre

Date: June 21

Cost: Free

Under the patronage of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Bayanihan Council presents a day-long line up of activities that promises to kick it up a notch with an array of events at the annual event including the festive parade and opening ceremonies that will celebrate the Philippines’ cultural dances, Himig Pinoy – a singing competition, as well as Abu Dhabi’s annual Mutya ng Kasarinlan, the beauty contest that celebrates the beauty, brains, and charisma of a true Filipina.

Staff Report

The Filipino Times is the chronicler of stories for, of and by Filipinos all over the world, reaching more than 236 countries in readership. Any interesting story to share? Email us at [email protected]

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