18 June 2012- Philippine Ambassador to Sweden Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson hosted an outdoor reception at the official residence last June 15 to celebrate the 114th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Speaker of Parliament Per Westerberg, President of City Council of Stockholm Lord Mayor Margareta Björk, Member of Parliament Desiree Pethrus (KD), Eskilstuna Energy and Environment CEO Adam Brännström, and representatives from educational institutions and Swedish business like Systembolaget, Ericsson, SEB, SAAB, renewable energy companies, and tourism service providers attended the reception.
Guests also included numbered officials from Swedish government agencies, heads of key businesses, leaders of Filipino organizations, fellow Ambassadors, and other friends of the Philippines in Swedish society.
During the reception, Kasarinlan Music Ensemble rendered the harana wooing attendees to Philippine culture and played indigenous musical instruments evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for living traditions.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Dr. Felipe de Leon, Jr. introduced the group and edified Filipino values as expressed in various cultural forms.
A round-trip ticket to the Philippines was raffled off to promote the Philippines as a tourism destination.
On June 16, the Embassy invited all Filipinos in Sweden including their friends and family to a gathering or salu-salo at the official residence.
Drawn from Philippine fiesta traditions, the picnic-style celebration enabled a truly familial, friendly, and festive atmosphere recreating and imparting Philippine culture to second and third generation Filipino-Swedes and Swedes curious about the Philippines.
Cultural performances graced the occasion starting with Harana ng Kasarinlan Music Ensemble, Eskrima and Filipino Arts demonstration by Unlimited Defense Systems Stockholm, Muslim Suite and Rural Dance by Euro Asian Dance Group, Modern Dance by Female Attitude Dance Group, Ballroom and Latino Dance by Precioso Filipino Dance Group, and Stockholm-based Kober Bersyon band.
A surprise number by Blakdyak thrilled the audience. It was the first time for the country's novelty reggae king to perform in Scandinavia.
Children also participated in the celebration and sampled laro ng lahi/traditional chidren's games. They played "pabitin" and jumped to get the most number of prizes.
A singing contest, dance contest, and lottery were also held.
Filipino products and crafts were also sold by local Filipino business from Stockholm.
This two day celebration commemorating the 114th proclamation of Philippine Independence marks the last national day celebration hosted by the Embassy. END