Filipinos to celebrate 123rd National Day in Dubai this weekend

Dubai: The Filipino expat group in Dubai have lined up a number of in-person occasions to celebrate the 123rd Philippine Independence Day this weekend.

There can be a laser, gentle and water present at a mall, whereas a theme park in Dubai may have a five-day fiesta, providing reductions on rides and serving conventional Filipino delicacies. Philippine Independence Day falls on June 12. The celebrations, nevertheless, can be restricted to plenty of folks per occasion, in compliance with the well being and security protocols set by the federal government.

Kick-starting the nationwide day celebrations is an occasion organised by Filipino Community (FilCom) and Philippine Business Council at Shangri-La Hotel Dubai on Friday (June 11) at 10am. “There will be cultural presentations but only 100 guests have been invited so we can observe physical distancing,” FilCom adviser Josie Conlu informed Gulf News on Thursday.

“Confirmed guests are also required to submit their vaccination certificate,” she added.

Prior to the pandemic, celebrating Philippine Independence Day has been one of many greatest annual occasions by the Filipino group, with common attendance reaching over 10,000 folks at huge venues equivalent to Dubai World Trade Centre. Last yr, celebrations have been muted and have been held solely just about.

“This year, we are back to having a live, in-person event, thanks to the UAE government,” mentioned Ericson Reyes, president of The Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) mentioned. FilSoc may have a gathering at Radisson Blu Hotel on Friday, starting at 6pm.

Reyes mentioned they've lined up a number of cultural displays, together with a video manufacturing on Philippine historical past in addition to performances of conventional Filipino music and dance. Another spotlight is the Mabuhay Awards, which can be given to varied authorities places of work and authorities in recognition of their assist to the Filipino group in the course of the pandemic.

Multi-awarded photographer Donell Gumiran will exhibit his award-winning pictures and Reyes added there may also be raffle attracts for airline tickets plus a job truthful. Live attendance, nevertheless, is proscribed solely to 150 folks however Reyes mentioned the celebration can be broadcast reside on FilSoc social media accounts so these at their houses may also be part of in the raffle attracts.

Reyes added: “All attendees must be totally vaccinated and required to put on a face masks. Congregating in massive teams is not going to be permitted social distancing can be noticed.

Also taking place on Friday is the presentation of Dakilang Bayani (Noble Hero) Awards on the Philippine Consulate in Dubai. Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes will confer the award to “extraordinary Filipinos in Dubai.”

Organisers mentioned honourees are chosen based mostly on their “selfless commitment to serve the expat community and whose global contribution elevate the collective pride of the Filipinos. Career achievements take a back seat and what is highlighted is the service to the community. The thrust is to find Filipinos who are both transformative and inspiring.”

Celebrations will proceed on Saturday (June 12) on the Philippine Consulate in Dubai. Messages from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Teodoro Locsin, Jr, Philippine Minister of Foreign Affairs would be the spotlight of the occasion which can begin at 6pm. There may also be displaying of Independence Day video and pledge of allegiance to the Philippine flag.

Also taking place on that day is the official launch of PINASarap sa UAE by the Philippine Business Council — League of Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs (LFBE).

Meanwhile, Dubai Festival City Mall may have a laser, gentle and water present celebrating the 123rd Philippine Independence Day on June 12 at 7.30pm whereas Motiongate Dubai is providing Filipinos discounted costs on the theme park throughout its five-day fiesta that may run till June 16. Traditional Filipino dishes equivalent to pancit canton, rooster adobo and beef sinigang may also be offered at discounted costs.

The Philippine Independence Day or Araw ng Kalayaan (in Filipino) is noticed each June 12 to commemorate the declaration of Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1898.