20 June 2012 - The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, in partnership with the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) hosted the Philippine Independence Day Ball on June 09 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel.

Guests of honor for the night are Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle.

Governor Abercrombie responded to the official toast and delivered his remarks.

In his remarks, he enjoined the Filipinos to "take a necessary moment to reflect on what Independence means to those that came before [us], and to those who will come after." He added that Independence is an "achievement that should be deeply treasured and uphold.

A much-awaited event, the Philippine Independence Day Ball was attended by more than 400 Filipinos and guests for a glittering night of beautiful ternos and barongs and the sharing of Filipinos' love of country and heritage.

Also part of the ball was the Musical Revue which featured Hawaii-based Filipino artists and the Honolulu Boy Choir.

Philippine Deputy Consul General to Hawaii Paul Raymund Cortes gave a heartfelt rendition of the "Mag-Kaisa" as the grand finale song of a very memorable evening for the Filipino Community in the State of Hawaii.

The Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH), led by its Chairperson Maria A.F. Etrata, is the cultural-outreach arm of the Consulate and has been its partner for the past 10 years in organizing and hosting Philippine events in Hawaii. END