19 June 2012- The Filipino community in Hong Kong celebrated the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence with a daylong program of activities at Chater Garden and Chater Road last June 10.
Entitled Tayo Na, Magkaisa at Magsaya (Come on, Let's Unite and Have Fun), the celebration started with an interfaith prayer led by the Association of Filipino Pastors of Hong Kong, which was immediately followed by a Catholic mass concelebrated by Cardinal John Tong, Fr. Emil Lim, SVD, and Fr. Alredo Rollon, SVD.
Led by the Hong Kong Youth Marching Band, 29 Filipino community organizations participated in a parade around the Central district displaying replicas of various native delicacies of the Philippines.
The Ilocos Norte Association, Leyte Achievers Association, and the Marinduque Migrant Workers Association emerged as the winners for their portrayal of tupig, moron, and suman, respectively.
The Mindanao Federation Drum and Lyre Band performed the National Anthem Lupang Hinirang, then Philippine Consul General to Hong Kong Noel Servigon took the stage to deliver his welcome remarks.
Nine Filipino community groups displayed their artistry in dancing different Philippine traditional and folk dances.
Lakbay Dangal serenaded the audience with their rendition of classic kundiman songs before entertaining them with a thought-provoking and witty Balagtasan on the topic of whether to allow divorce in the Philippines.
The variety show opened with a set by the Draybers band, who flew in all the way from Manila.
During the primetime segment of the variety show, approximately 8,000 people packed Chater Garden to get a glimpse of their favorite stars.
Lovi Poe and Aga Muhlach closed the variety program on a high note by thrilling the audience with their song and hosting numbers, respectively.
On June 12, the Consulate invited members of the Filipino community to a breakfast salu-salo to commemorate Independence Day.
After the singing of the Lupang Hinirang and the pledge of allegiance to the flag, Fr. Lim and Muslim imam Aziz Tuano led the morning prayers.
Labor Attaché Manuel Roldan, Deputy Consul General Rosanna Villamor Voogel, and Consul General Servigon then read the messages of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto F. del Rosario, and President Benigno S. Aquino III, respectively, before Consul General Servigon delivered his remarks. END