25 June 2012 - In celebration of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Milan organized a Thanksgiving Mass on June 10 at Piazza Frattini, Milan, with the various Filipino communities.
The Tagalog mass was concelebrated by four Filipino priests and one Italian priest, who has served with the Salesian order in the Philippines for over 40 years. Different Filipino communities from Milan and Northern Italy came to participate.
After the mass, staff and guests proceeded to the potluck lunch at the piazza church grounds.
In her opening remarks, Philippine Consul General to Milan Lourdes S. Tabamo conveyed President Benigno S. Aquino III's greetings on the auspicious occasion, stressing the importance of being carriers of solidarity and nationhood as demonstrated by our heroes.
She thanked everyone who contributed and took part in making the celebration meaningful. Messages from the Secretaries of Foreign Affairs and Labor and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator were also delivered. Guests enjoyed Filipino native cuisine offered by the Consulate and the different Filipino community groups.
On June 11, a special flag raising ceremony was held at the Consulate's public area. Passport applicants also joined in the singing of the National Anthem. Snacks and coffee were served to the applicants afterwards.
Apart from the two activities held earlier in the week, the Consulate also staged a concert dubbed, "A Night of Philippines-Italy Friendship" on June 16 at the Auditorium di Milano, featuring world-class Filipino artists under the musical direction of Italian Maestro Ruggero Barbieri, former musical director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.