4 July 2012 - The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane embarked on a week-long celebration of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence.
The National Day celebration kicked off with the 2012 Filipino community sportsfest held from June 4 to 10.
Filipinos in Laos, including those working outside of Vientiane, joined the sportsfest which featured competitions in basketball, volleyball, badminton and chess. Throughout all events, participants showed great enthusiasm, a high level of competitiveness and a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship.
The sportsfest also afforded the Filipino community and their families a chance to get together, make new friends and cheer on their favorite teams and players - all in the spirit of fun.
On June 12, Philippine Ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) Maria Lumen B. Isleta led Embassy personnel and their respective families, as well as a good number of Filipino community members in a flag-raising ceremony at the Embassy grounds.
The ceremony started with a community singing of the Philippine National Anthem followed by the recitation of the Oath of Allegiance to the Philippine flag.
The messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario were read by Ambassador Isleta and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Analyn de Leon Ratonel, respectively.
A Filipino community member, Mr. Giovanni Villafuerte, shared his views on the relevance of Independence Day to Filipinos abroad.
A video presentation was then shown featuring the "Ako ay Pilipino" soundtrack.
With the theme "Freedom: The Accountability of a Sovereign Nation of Responsible Citizenry", Ambassador Isleta delivered a short message citing the sacrifices espoused by our national heroes that led to the birth of the Filipino nation.
She also thanked the Filipino Community for joining the flag-raising ceremony.
The event was concluded with a simple breakfast consisting of traditional Filipino dishes.
In the evening of June 12, a reception for the Diplomatic Community and officials of the Lao Government and several Filipino community members was held at Mercure Hotel in Vientiane.
In her speech, Ambassador Isleta shared the Philippine's economic performance and development strategy under the Aquino Administration.
The 57 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Laos was also highlighted, including the visit of Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong to the Philippines last month and the upcoming programs and activities that aim to enhance Philippine-Lao relations.
The reception also showcased the best of the Philippine culture. The highlights of which included the serving of traditional Filipino dishes and San Miguel beer, and the Embassy's trade booths selling Filipino food, handicraft products, handbags and accessories.
