30 June 2012- The Philippine Embassy personnel in Prague headed by Ambassador Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia celebrated the 114^th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on two separate occasions.

 

The first started with a simple flag-raising ceremony at the Philippine Ambassador's residence on June 12 and was followed by a Pinoy-style breakfast.

The other was a Barbecue Party held with the Filipino community last June 16 also at the Residence.

The Independence Day celebration cum barbecue party started with a mass officiated by Father Lancy Lewis of the Sto. Nino Church, followed by the flag-raising ceremony, and singing of the national anthem and the recitation of the Panunumpa sa Watawat.

Ambassador Garcia read the Independence message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, while Cultural Officer Ramon A. Gaspar read Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario's message.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Garcia stressed the importance of unity among Filipinos living abroad and underscored that the Philippine Embassy in Prague is their home in the Czech Republic.

She cited the victory of the Philippine Embassy team, which bagged the bronze medal at the 3^rd ASEAN Bowling Tournament last June 15, and the successful launching of the newly formed Filipino-Czech Association (FCA) last May 26 as examples of achievements arising from having unity in goals, action and spirit.

The celebrations featured the talents of Filipinos in Prague like the monologue of Ms. Lily Chu, an off-broadway artist, and the patriotic song by Ms. Hanely Degala.

The Embassy surprised its guests with a special song number by Ms. Lourdes F. Morallos, Finance Officer of the Embassy who belted the song "My All" by American Idol's finalist Jessica Sanchez to the delight of the Filipino Community.

Filipinos, their families and friends participated in various games, jammed with the live-band and sung in an open karaoke which made the whole event unforgettable. The occasion offered an opportunity as well for Filipinos to register as overseas absentee voters.