21 June 2012 - The Philippine Embassy in South Africa, led by Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno, organized an Independence Day salu-salo at the Embassy grounds with members of the Filipino communities in Southern Africa on June 17, as part of the Embassy's activities to commemorate the 114^th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The day-long affair started with a flag-raising ceremony led by the Ambassador and his spouse, Mme. Yoko Ramos-Vingno.

The Independence Day messages of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and President Benigno S. Aquino III were then read by Second Secretary and Consul Eric R. Aquino and the Ambassador, respectively, to the nearly 200 members of the Filipino communities in Southern Africa who attended the event.

The flag-raising ceremony was followed by the opening of the Rizal exhibit to commemorate the National Hero's 151^st Birth Anniversary.

Ms. Nellie Llaguno of the Filipino community in Pretoria read excerpts of Rizal's Mi Ultimo Adios in both English and Spanish to highlight the exhibit.  This was followed by the presentation to the communities of the paintings of Filipino artist Rico M. Tompong, who visited South Africa through the joint efforts of the Embassy and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Ambassador Vingno also presented Mr. Tompong with a Certificate of Appreciation for his invaluable contribution to the Embassy's cultural diplomacy efforts and for promoting Philippine art in South Africa.

Luncheon featuring Filipino dishes, prepared by Embassy staff, their families and members of the Filipino communities, was then offered for the event's guests.