22 June 2012- Manado City - The Philippine Consulate General in Manado City, Eastern Indonesia held various commemorative activities with the Filipino Community, top local government officials, military and business leaders at the Consulate's premises and at the Grand Kawanua Ballroom, Novotel in Manado City last 12 June 2012.
A flag-raising ceremony was held in the morning of June 12 with some 100 members of the Filipino Community and the Bukidnon State University (BSU) Choir followed by a get-together breakfast.
In the evening of 12th June, a cocktail reception was held at the Novotel hotel with about 200 guests attending the event.
Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor.
Philippine Consul General to Manado Jose D. Burgos made his Independence Day message followed by a toast.
Governor Sarundajang also delivered his message giving appreciation to the efforts of the Consul General in making possible the direct flights between Manado and Davao, first on March 18 by Mid-Sea Express Air, followed by Wings Air last June 7.
Wings Air's regular flights between the two cities will start this July.
The Consul General also spoke of the planned sea trial of Bawangung Nusa I, an Indonesian Navy troop transport vessel converted to a passenger ship which will have sea trials to commence on June 25 and soon to commence commercial trips between Bitung, Manado and General Santos Cities.
The Bukidnon State University Choir, rondalla, and children from Manado International School provided entertainment performed folk songs, dances and original Pilipino music (OPM).
Guests were served with exquisite Filipino dishes such as lechon, durian ice cream, pandesal, biko, dried mango and other dishes.
San Miguel Beer was also served by the local distributor.