Feature

FilSoc Launches 122nd Philippine Independence Day 2020 Celebration

The Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) proudly launched the one of the organization’s major undertakings as host of the 122nd Philippine Independence Day 2020 celebration last night 7th of March at the Radisson Blu hotel Dubai Deira Creek in the presence of more than 300 attendees from diverse sectors of the Filipino community.
The annual event celebrated by Filipinos across the globe is brimming with sundry events that aim to highlight the Philippine culture. The PID 2020 celebrations will be headed by Mr. Erwin Tom Lladoc Jr., assisted by Ms. Ellanie Villena and Mr. Joffer Sumampong, with Ms. Irene Villaroya as the PID 2020 Program Director. The main event will be a series of varied activities culminating on the 12th June 2020 at the Zabeel 3 Hall of Dubai World Trade Center.
The PID 2020 Logo Designed by a Presidential Awardee
One of the evening’s highlights was the unveiling of the official logo for the 122nd PID 2020 celebrations by FilSoc’s board members and officials. The said logo was designed by FilSoc’s designated branding in-charge and member Mr. Donell C. Gumiran who received a Presidential award for his world-class photography skills. It featured the word “Kalayaan” (Fil. freedom) using the color scheme of the Philippine flag in ancient Filipino writing system called “Baybayin” and shaped like the United Arab Emirates’ map. The gesture served as a nod to the good relationship between the host country and the Philippines. This emblem will be officially used by the club in the promotion and communication activities related to PID 2020.
FILSOC PID Launch 2020 logo
15 Segments of PID2020: A Showcase of Filipino Creativity
The 15 segments will be the highlight of the celebration and will be composed of both competitions and exhibits to showcase the first-class artistry and abilities of Filipinos. These events intend to elicit participation of OFWs in different fields of interest. There will be cultural competitions such as the “Sayaw ng Katutubo” (traditional Filipino dances), “Ang Talentadong Rehiyon” (a region-based contest), and the “Parade of Festivals” (a competition based on the different festivals in the Philippines). Music lovers were also called to join the singing challenge “Tinig ng Bayani” and the “Chorale Competition” of which the elimination rounds will be held at select malls in Dubai. Performance arts enthusiasts were encouraged to join the “Pinoy Cosplay Festival”; and Pinoy filmmakers were given a new platform to best out their short films with “Pinoy Short Film Festival”. Photography lovers were invited to bring their cameras and shoot during the PID festivities for the “On-the-Spot Photo Contest”. Novel contests were also presented such as “Race to the Healthiest Profession” and the “Battle of the Philippine Alumni”.
Recognizing the exemplary lives of fellow OFWs is also part of the PID 2020, hence the following segments are created to give due credit: “Global Filipino Award” (to acknowledge Filipinos in the UAE with feats that brought pride and honor to the Philippines), “The Outstanding Family of the Year” (for the model Filipino family living in the country), “The Pinoy Senior Citizen”, “Ulirang Kasambahay” – for seniors citizens and domestic helpers with inspiring stories, respectively.
For those interested in non-competition events, there will be bazaars open and an art exhibit at the venue. Pinoy artisans such as painters, sculptors, couturiers, to name a few were invited to coordinate with the club and have their masterpieces displayed. Contest mechanics and event details will be released soon by FilSoc.
FilSoc Press Con and Expo 2020
Before from the launch of the PID 2020 event, FilSoc founding members and board members led by Mr. Ericson P. Reyes, President & Events Committee Chair and Mr. Cesar B. Mora, the Vice-president and Membership Committee Chair, held a press conference earlier in the evening to give a brief introduction of the club, its goals and address questions from representatives of different media outlets and attendees.
As a licensed Filipino organization under the Community Development Authority (CDA) of the Government of Dubai, FilSoc has the freedom to make decisions and collaborate with other CDA-regulated organizations in serving the Filipino community with its board’s approval.
“We are creating programs and activities for the Filipinos and other communities, we therefore need your support” said President Reyes.
Founding club members who joined the press con were Ms. Gina T. Salazar, a Board Member, Ms. Olympia R. Pineda, Chairman for Environment, Health, Safety and Security Committee, Dr. Marilyn ‘Wafa’ Qasimieh, FilSoc Youth Club Chair, Mr. Alan S. Bacason, Adviser & Legal Representative; with Ms. Matilyn V. Bagunu, the club’s PRO and Chairman-Marketing & Communications as moderator.
Another announcement made by the club was its appointment by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to facilitate the Philippine pavilion activities at the Expo 2020. FilSoc officials urged the audience to register and be affiliated with the club not just in support of the prestigious endeavor but for all the future programs they will be having.
“Let’s support and have a pavilion that we can be proud of! We are all needed to be ambassadors of good will. World Class na tayo! (We are world-class!)” emphasized by Hjayceelyn M. Quintana Philippine Ambassador to the UAE in response to FilSoc’s role in the Expo 2020.
Entertainment by Local Pinoy Talents
Interspersed in the program were local Filipino performers who enlivened the night with their songs and ethno-contemporary inspired dance numbers. Another feature was the FilSoc chorale who sang the FilSoc Hymn composed by Ms. Bagunu. The event was then capped with a live band performance by some FilSoc members.

Staff Report

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