MORE than 200 Filipinos living and working in Honiara celebrated their country’s 124th Independence Day at Lela Beach, North West Guadalcanal on 12th Sunday, 2022.
President of Filipino Community in Solomon Islands (Filcomsi) Ms Myrtle Atienza was honoured to welcome the community members as they join Filipino communities around the world to celebrate their country’s Independence Day.
“I would like to thank all of you for coming here to celebrate our Independence,” she said.
The theme for this year celebration is “PAGSUONG SA HAMON NG PANIBAGONG BUKAS” which in English “Rise towards the challenge of a new beginning,”
The theme reflects not only the hard work and sacrifices of the Filipino heroes who fought for the country’s independence but also the contribution of many Filipinos from past year of the pandemic and encourages the country to strive towards better future.
She said despite of all the challenges they together look forward for a better tomorrow.
“While we all facing up trials on our lives, we are still looking forward for a better tomorrow” she said.
Atienza said the theme fits in well with their situation because of the challenges they have experienced away from home.
On the same note she thanked her fellow officers for supporting her as a Filcomsi president to successfully celebrate and mark the birthday of their beloved country.
The Independence Day celebration started with a flag rising and singing of the Philippines National Anthem.
A parade ceremony was followed afterwards with all Filipinos organised themselves into their provincial groups to showcase their cultures and traditions.
Adding to the celebration was a panel of Judges was set up to determine the best parade and performances group.
The winner of the best performance group was awarded to Tacloban province followed with Laguna, Iloilo, Davao and Baguio province.
Some provinces were unable to participate on the parade since they were not prepared.
The highlights of the celebration include cultural entertainment, quizzes, raffle tickets draw and card games for children.
Filipino Bazaar was also happened to showcase the taste of Filipino dishes.
According to history Philippines took its name from Philip II who was the king of Spain during the Spanish colonization of the islands in the 16 Century because it was under Spanish rule for 333 years and under U.S tutelage for a further 48 years. It had many cultural affinities with the west.
In 1898 Philippines redeemed its independence from slavery of Spain.
The Philippines archipelago is bounded by the Philippines Sea to the east, the Celebes Sea to the south, the Sulu Sea to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the west and north.
It comprises more than seven thousand islands, divided under three main groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
There are about 120 to 187 languages spoken in the Philippines.
Currently, the population of the Philippines is over 112 million.
Meanwhile Atienza thanked all the participants and sponsors for making the celebration a memorable one especially to Fairtrade Company Ltd, Chun Wah School, Grand Pacific Investment Ltd, Nalalia Lizardo Noprada, Solitario Family, Cyndi Co, Evangeline Ciego, Monica Beng Repollo, Niel Buendia, Dragon Construction Francis Mercado, Bluewater, Myrtle Atienza, Twins Paint, Everise, LRS Engineering, Tropical Helicopters, DVL, Elriech Design, M Cube Ltd, Pan Pacific, Islands Deals, Farmset and Upshine Jewellers and accessories.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Newsroom, Honiara
