Philippine Independence Day celebration Friday

An exciting and packed schedule of events will mark the 125th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence, taking place Friday at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.The festivity, organised by the Filipino community in Qatar, will offer a vibrant showcase of cultural performances, entertainment shows, a pageant, culinary delights, awards night for Filipino achievers, and traditional games, among others.Organisers said the one-of-its-kind celebration promises an immersive experience, taking attendees into the heart of Philippine culture and traditions. The programme of activities is designed to captivate and engage both Filipinos and the wider community, fostering a sense of unity and pride.The day will commence with the ‘Almusal ng Bayan’ (Community Breakfast), giving attendees the opportunity to savour a wide range of Filipino cuisine followed by the Parada ng Kalayaan (Community Parade), which will showcase the Philippines’ rich and diverse culture.Part of the programme includes a captivating dance performance, showcasing the talent and grace of Filipino dancers, in addition to the opening of regional exhibits, which will allow visitors to explore the different cultural traditions and customs from various regions of the Philippines.The afternoon session will see an array of cultural presentations and demonstrations – a rediscovery of Philippine culture, traditions, and history.The Tagisan ng Sayaw ng Fiesta Filipinas (Cultural Dance Demonstrations) is set to highlight the grace and elegance of Filipino folk dances while the Tagisan ng Bandang Pinoy (Battle of Filipino Bands) will unleash the energy and vitality of Filipino music.A vocal solo contest, known as Tagisan ng Kundiman, will allow aspiring singers to showcase their talent.One of the highlights of the evening will be the Ginoo at Mutya ng Kalayaan 2023 pageant, where the Mr and Ms Philippine Independence Day 2023 will be crowned. The pageant will feature stunning festival attire, vintage Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana outfits, and displays the wit and charm of the candidates through interviews and a question-and-answer session.A prelude to the grand celebration tomorrow witnessed iconic architectural landmarks in Doha, including The Torch Doha, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, and Al Jaber Twin Towers, lighting up the colours of the Philippine flag on June 12.According to Philippine ambassador Lillibeth V Pono, this visually striking display symbolises an enduring friendship between the Philippines and Qatar.The embassy, along with various Filipino organisations and government agencies, also hosted a flag-raising ceremony and community breakfast on June 12 (actual date of Philippine Independence Day celebration) at the Katara Drama Theatre.The event brought together diplomatic missions from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, government ministries from Qatar, and leaders of Filipino groups to commemorate the historic milestone. Katara general manager, Professor Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, graced the event as the guest of honour.