June may almost be over but the celebrations for the 121st Philippine Independence Day continue at Abu Dhabi last June 21 and at Um Al Quwain last June 22. The event was well attended by thousands of Filipinos hailing from different emirates to witness a festival of dances, songs, and performances.
Um Al Quwain Celebrations
The 121st Philippine Independence Day festivities extended all the way to the Northern Emirates, particularly at Um Al Quwain at China Mall that saw several thousands of expats from different nationalities, in attendance – majority of which were Filipino.
Leading the festivities was Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes, along with community leaders. “This year —- as we had hoped, our Independence Day celebrations transcended nationalities, abilities, race, color, and heritage. May our community lead a more welcoming and accepting culture, a culture that is sharing and caring to all,” said Cortes.
Abu Dhabi Celebrations
The program, organized by the Bayanihan Council in Abu Dhabi, started early at Abu Dhabi’s Breakwater Theatre with joyous parade of different organizations, interest and community groups that filled the theatre as the entire audience sang the ‘Lupang Hinirang’ in unison.
Consul General and First Secretary Maria Cynthia Pelayo, who recently arrived in Abu Dhabi for her tour of duty, read Ambassador Quintana’s message for the Filipino community on the Independence Day. In attendance as well were Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Vice Consul Von Ryan Pangwi, Cultural Attache Delza Bayabao, Labor Attache Alejandro Padaen, Assistant Labor Attache Jobo Magsaysay, Assistant Labor Attache Liwayway Ilo, together with other officials from the Philippine Embassy and the POLO-OWWA in Abu Dhabi.
The day-long festivities were organized by the Bayanihan Council in Abu Dhabi, the umbrella organization for all Filipino community groups in the capital, led by their chairman, Elmer Casao and co-chairman, Ron Precilla, with the morning activities directed and organized by Jaymar Ismael.
After the inspirational message, several groups including the Abu Dhabi Concert Chorus, the Abu Dhabi Filipino Dance Club (ADFDC), the Association of United Filipino Workers for Welfare and Assistance in Abu Dhabi (AUFWWAAD), the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit at Mananayaw sa Abu Dhabi (OPMMAD), and the Society of Human Resource Professionals and Associates (SHRPA), performed OPM songs and traditional dance numbers on the stage as a tribute to the decades of Philippine heritage.
The event also recognized the talents of Filipino individuals in different facets of the arts. Here are the list of winners:
Guhit Pilantik (Painting Competition):
1st Place – Paris Ashley Reyes
2nd Place – George Julius Daniel
3rd Place – Althea Celene Arancillo
On-the-Spot Photography Competition:
1st Place – Jerson Floresca
2nd Place – Dennis Putonghua
3rd Place – Joseph Fulinara
Himig Pinoy 2019:
Champion – Elton Bautista
1st Runner Up- Leo Manalac
2nd Runner Up Sherwin Itac
3rd Runner Up John Eric Dizon
Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2019:
Mutya ng Kasarinlan 2019 – Ms. Lexandrea dela Cerna – Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) – UAE Chapter
1st Runner-Up- Ms. Pauline Bielle Santillan – Society of Human Resource Professionals and Associates (SHRPA)
2nd Runner Up – Ms. Camille Fabro – Filipino Community Organizations in Al Ain
3rd Runner Up – Ms. Marcia Nicole Bautista – Abu Dhabi Filipino Volleyball Association (ADFIVA)
4th Runner Up – Ms. Jenny Ann Maghari – Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) – UAE Chapter
