The spirit of hope and positivity spreads this Christmas season with a heartwarming message from one of the UAE’s ministers for Filipinos here in the country as part of the Philippine Embassy in the UAE’s special video for this year’s “Paskong Pinoy sa UAE” that shares how Filipinos celebrate their Christmas no matter where they are in the world.
Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Cabinet Member and Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development in the UAE, extended her greetings for Filipinos highlighting the values of human fraternity and kindness witnessed between the two countries all year round.
“I wish the Filipino community, a blessed and Merry Christmas, as we’re also nearing the end of this year, let me also extend warm New Year greetings to you all. We, in the UAE, admire the work, culture, and the ever-friendly, smiling nature, our brothers and sisters from the Philippines. You have become an integral part of our social fabric and our two countries share a close bilateral relationship,” said Al Kaabi.
RELATED STORY: ‘Paskong Pinoy Countdown’: PH Embassy spreads good vibes for overseas Filipinos through COVID-19 safety reminder music video
“Paskong Pinoy sa UAE” was a brainchild of Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana which started in December 2018 as a concert of Filipino Christmas carols featuring different community chorale groups.
“On its third year now, the Philippine Embassy’s “Paskong Pinoy sa UAE” is reaching more and more hearts, becoming a beloved annual tradition in the UAE culture scene. We are very honored to be joined this year by Her Excellency Minister Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi who as Culture Minister highlights the universal values of peace, benevolence, and human fraternity being symbolized by Christmas,” said Amb. Quintana.
Celebrating Christmas traditions
True to the annual tradition of “Paskong Pinoy sa UAE” that celebrates Filipino Christmas carols, the video highlighted two joyous Christmas songs celebrating the tradition of “Pangangaroling”: “Kumukuti-kutitap sung by the St. Mary’s Filipino Community Choir in Dubai and “Tuloy na Tuloy pa rin ang Pasko” sung by the Abu Dhabi Concert Chorus shot across different locations in the country.
The Filipino Christmas tradition of “Pagbisita” was also highlighted with the visit of Amb Quintana to the Emirati-Filipino family of MME. Maryam Al Shamsi. In addition, the Filipino community in the UAE, also donned the Embassy with festive Christmas decorations together with the iconic Pampanga Parols, for the Filipino tradition of “Paggagayak para sa Pasko”.
RELATED STORY: LOOK: PH Embassy lights up iconic Pampanga Parols for UAE’s first simbang gabi for 2020
Fahad Al Blooshi, a popular Emirati-Filipino influencer, also greeted Filipinos around the world for Christmas: “Sa inyong mga kababayan natin na mga global Filipinos out there – happy holidays!”
Filipinos in the UAE also enjoyed the festive vibes of the video posted at the official Facebook page of the embassy and wished their fellow Filipinos and the embassy good tidings for the celebrations ahead.
“A Blessed Christmas to Phil. Embassy in the UAE! We keep you in our prayers,” said a netizen.
“Merry Christmas🎄 everyone…I’m so thankful for the embassy staff,” said another.
Watch the video here:
