Philippine Independence Day press conference led by Organising Committee Chairman Jyerex Abrasado (fourth left) along with other officials at Bos Geo Pares Restaurant in Al Muntazah
Doha: The 125th Philippine Independence Day celebration (PIDC) in Qatar on June 23, promises to be a grandiose affair, as over 30,000 Filipinos are expected to attend the one-day event.
The whole day event will showcase everything about the Philippines, from its diverse culture and delicious food to its vibrant fashion and colourful festivals. Spanning from 6am to 12 midnight, the commemoration guarantees to be a fun-filled extravaganza for everyone, both Filipinos and non-Filipinos.
PIDC Qatar Organising Committee Chairman, Jyerex Abrasado said this in a press conference recently. “We are going to deliver PIDC with LOVE — L for leadership, O for openness, V for values, and E for excellence.”
With its impressive line-up of activities and performances, the 125th Philippine Independence Day celebration in the country is set to offer an immersive experience of the Southeast Asian country’s rich heritage and vibrant spirit and that the event will be “inclusive” and “interactive,” under the local theme “Fiesta Filipinas” (Philippine festivals) said PIDC Committee Programme Chair, Isaias Zhai Marcelo.
The June 23 event will be held at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel and will start at 6am with Almusalang Bayan or free breakfast for all (first come, first served basis), followed by cultural parade of organisations, schools, groups, government officials and staff; cultural traditional presentations, regional exhibits from all the Philippine regions showcasing local products, delicacies and festivals.
Filipino traditional games or Palarong Lahi is also set where 15 games have been lined-up including kadang-kadang (bamboo stilts game), and tumbang preso (knock down the can); music, dance renditions entertainment competitions for male and female categories; Vocal solo competitions where a contestant will sing an Original Pinoy Music (OPM) song; Battle of the bands; Mutya at Ginoong Kalayaan 2023 (Miss and Mister Independence Day 2023); and Filipino Food Bazaar showcasing different delicacies of the Philippines.
Marcelo emphasised that the celebration includes food, festival, and fashion. “You will explore and experience the festival of colours and culture of the Philippines in one event – from Region 1 to 17.”
Moreover, Philippine government services booths will also be present at the event including Social Security System (SSS), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Home Development Mutual Fund, commonly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Department of Tourism.
For those commuting to the event venue, the committee explained that they are in discussions in providing transportation from DECC Metro Station to Sheraton.
The Philippine Independence Day 2023 celebration in Qatar Organising Committee is led by the Philippine Business Council. Independence Day in the Philippines is being held annually on June 12, and this year’s theme is Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan (Freedom. Future. History).
