14 June 2012 - The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah commemorated the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence with a morning flag-raising ceremony at the 4th Floor of the Consulate and an evening Diplomatic Reception at the Al-Sultan Ballroom, Hotel Intercontinental last June 12.
During the flag raising ceremony, Philippine Consul General to Jeddah Uriel Norman Garibay led the reading of messages by government officials, highlighted by that of President Benigno S. Aquino III.
This was followed by the awarding of certificates of appreciation to Area Coordinators, the Consulate's partners in helping Filipino nationals in those places difficult to reach outside Jeddah.
Representatives from the various Filipino Community organizations and members of the Philippine Saudi Business Club also joined the ceremony.
A simple salu-salo or Brunch ng Bayan capped the flag raising ceremony.
In his speech during the diplomatic reception, Consul General Garibay highlighted the contributions of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the continuing struggle for independence, particularly for progress and development of the Philippines, through their hard work and sacrifices in the Western Region of the Kingdom.
He noted that the vigorous partnership between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia compliments the efforts to promote development for both nations.
He further expressed the intention of the Philippines to broaden bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia through economic diplomacy, particularly in trade, tourism and investments.
In his response, His Excellency, Ambassador Mohammed Ahmed Tayyeb, Director General of the Saudi Foreign Ministry's Makkah Al-Mukarramah Regional Branch, the event's guest of honor, emphasized the warm and close ties between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
He acknowledged the significant role played by OFWs, who are present in different industries of the Kingdom, in the development of Saudi Arabia. Emphasizing the caring attitude of OFWs, he noted that Saudi children would oftentimes be more endeared to their Filipino nannies than to their parents.
The celebration was made more memorable with the launching of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah Chorale, which was organized under the leadership of Madame Omega Garibay.
The Chorale led the singing of the national anthem and sang Ikaw, Ako, Tayong Lahat (Magkakapatid) during the flag-raising ceremony and the diplomatic reception.
Mr. Sonny Austria, a self-taught OFW tenor who has stayed in Saudi Arabia for 16 years, provided the prelude to the dinner with a heart wrenching rendition of classic ditties "My Prayer" and "Nessun Dorma". END