“Malayong lupain, amin mang marating, di rin magbabago ang damdamin."
Borrowing from the hymn of the University of the Philippines, the various celebrations commemorating the 124th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence by the Philippine Embassies and the Filipino communities across Europe is an articulation of the tie that binds every Global Filipino to the Motherland no matter how far away their feet may have wandered.
From simple yet solemn flag-raising ceremonies, to formal diplomatic receptions, to festive open-air picnics, coming out of the pandemic that put a halt on communal gatherings for the past 2-3 years, the Global Filipinos celebrated National Day 2022 with much joy, pride and fervor. See some of the National Day celebration highlights as reported by our Embassies and the Filipino communities in Europe.
09 June 2022, Oslo, Norway – The Philippine Embassy held a diplomatic reception at the Oslo Konserthus. More than just an Independence Day commemoration, it was a celebration of the creativity and talent of the Filipinos. Featured during the event was the exhibit of Filipino painters Hope Baylon and Ruby Alison, and a fashion show featuring Filipiniana wear made from abaca or Manila hemp designed by Mayeth Codoy, among others.
10 June 2022, Geneva, Switzerland – The Philippine Mission to the United Nations and other International Organization, the Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization, and the Philippine Consulate General in Geneva held a diplomatic reception at the WIPO headquarters. Garbed in Philippine national costumes, the men and women of the Philippine Chancery treated the guests to a Filipino fiesta.
11 June 2022, Oslo, Norway – More than a thousand Filipinos headed out to St. Hanshaugen Park in Oslo, Norway to sample various Filipino dishes sold at food booths and to win prizes at Philippine themed contests and raffle draws. The event was organized by the Philippine Embassy in collaboration with Kalayaan Norge, a group composed of Filipino volunteers representing different Filipino organizations in Oslo.
12 June 2022, Berne, Switzerland – The staff of the Philippine Embassy in Berne held a flag-raising ceremony at the Philippine Embassy grounds located at Kirchenfeldstrasse 73-75, in the capital of Switzerland, Berne.
And the celebrations and festivities continue. In Geneva, Ugnayang Bayan Switzerland in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General is hosting a Filipino food festival, today, June 18, 2022 (Saturday).
Tomorrow, June 19, 2022, according to the Philippine Embassy in Berne, there will be a Barrio Fiesta themed celebration in Ticino by the Filipino community.