21 June 2012 - The Philippine Embassy in the Russian Federation led the Filipino community's celebration of the 114th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 16 in Moscow.
Organized in cooperation with the Filipino organizations based in Moscow, namely, the Filipino Association in Russia, the Bayanihan ng Bayan ni Juan, the Highlanders, and the Baguio Group, the event, which was attended by around 200 people, consisted of a flag-raising ceremony, and salu-salo and kasayahan at the Embassy grounds.
During the flag-raising ceremony, the Philippine Embassy Choir, which is under the direction of First Secretary and Consul Maria Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena, led the community in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. The leaders and representatives of the four organizations assisted in raising the Philippine flag.
The flag-raising was followed by the Panunumpa sa Watawat, led by Mr. Eduardo Manayao, the Embassy's liaison officer, with the Filipino community. Consul Mendoza-Oblena read the Independence Day message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario while Chargé d'affaires, a.i. Dinno M. Oblena read the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III.
CDA Oblena took the opportunity to thank the Filipino organizations in Moscow for their cooperation with the Embassy in the organization and conduct of the activity as well as for their active work in assisting Filipinos in Moscow.
He further apprised the community of changes and developments within the Embassy and ongoing projects for Filipinos residing and working in Russia. He also handed over the letter of Secretary del Rosario to the leaders of the different organizations, requesting their assistance in encouraging their members to register in the overseas absentee voting (OAV) registration campaign.
The solemn ceremony was followed by fiesta-style festivities which lasted well into early evening. The four organizations, as well as the Embassy staff, presented different modern and traditional dance numbers. The community also held a videoke contest and conducted parlor games that brought much fun, enjoyment and camaraderie among those who attended and participated.
