The Hague, 4 June 2022 – The "open-house concept" of the Philippine Independence Day Garden Reception held by the Philippine Embassy in Hague last 4 June 2022 turned into an afternoon of camaraderie, fellowship, fun, music, and games as the community leaders enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather and the opportunity to once again gather face-to-face after more than two years. The occasion was made more special as this was the first Filipino community gathering held in the Embassy's Chancery after its extensive renovation.
The memorable occasion was attended by more than 70 community Filipino-Dutch community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, media, among others, who came in their Filipiniana, an expression of their fervent affection for the Philippines.
After the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the welcome remarks by Consul General Lolita Capco, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya addressed the participants and underscored the theme of this year's Independence Day celebration, which is Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas” (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning).
He thanked the Filipino community in the Netherlands for their productive partnership with the Embassy to raise the image of the Philippines in the host country and as well as their enthusiasm to contribute to the welfare of the Philippines and fellow Filipinos in the Netherlands.
He also highlighted, as a symbol of a new beginning, the completion of the renovation of the Chancery. According to him, “Itinuturing po naming isang pribilehiyo ang pag-aayos or pag-renovate ng ating Chancery, na ating itinuturing bilang "munispyo" ng bawat Pilipino sa bansang ito. Sa pamamagitan nito, layunin namin bigyan po kayong lahat ng karalangan dahil masasabi ninyo na ang inyong munisipyo dito sa Netherlands ay maayos, maganda, at kagalang-galang” (We consider it a privilege to renovate the Embassy Chancery, the “municipio”of every Filipino in this country. Through this project, the Embassy wishes to give you honor because you can proudly say that your “municipio” in The Netherlands is orderly, beautiful and respectable).
Filipino-Dutch performers sent the audience singing and dancing to a number of popular original Pilipino music. The featured performers were Daddy’s Day Off Band who performed the rock songs “Pinoy Ako” (I am Filipino) and “Hanggang Kailan?” (Until When) by Orange and Lemons, and “Prom” and “Mariposa” (Butterfly) by Sugarfree. One of the Embassy’s attaches, Mr. Rodelio Asis sang the ballad Walang Kapalit (Irreplaceable), originally by Music Hero Band. Ms. Annika Sofie Ticson, daughter of the Embassy's communication officer Rovel Ticzon, performed her rendition of Moria De La Torre's original "Titibo-tibo" (Tomboy). Lastly Ms. Ms. Jojo van Oeveren, a community member and mainstay of international singing contests, performed “Isang Lahi” (One Race) by Regine Velasquez, “Lipad ng Pangarap” (Flight of a Dream) by Charice, and “Para Sa Akin” by Sitti.
“I felt at home and easily connected with the Embassy staff and fellow community leaders. The reception reminded me of our days when we were still in the Philippines,” Ms. Marissa van der Graaf of the Filipino Catholic Community in Dordrecht added.
A reception followed which showcased popular Filipino cuisines, namely “lechon” (roasted pig), “kare-kare” (oxtail, vegetable and peanut sauce stew), “kinilaw” (ceviche), menudo (pork stew), barbeque and sausages.
Ms. Katreena Alyssa Beron, a Filipina theater artist based in Amsterdam, astounded the attendees with her impromptu singing of “Bituing Walang Ningning” (Star without a Sparkle) by Sharon Cuneta and the Broadway song “Journey to the Past.” She was earlier featured by the Embassy and the Manila Bulletin in recognition of her world-class talent spotlighted in The Netherlands’ “Disenchanted” theater play in March.
The attendees also actively participated in the most-played Filipino games “Pinoy Henyo,” “Tomato Relay” and “Bring Me,” and the Netherlands’ “Spijkerpoepen” (Pooping Nails).
“Thank you very much for the warm welcome from Ambassador Malaya and the rest of his staff. The reception was wonderful – food was fantastic, the games were fun, and the renovated Chancery is “chique” (elegant and stylish) as we say in Dutch,” Ms. Diana Oosterbeek of the Stichting Bayanihan said.
The program ended with an Embassy tour at the consular section and the Kalayaan Hall. "In my long years here in the Netherlands, and having been to the Embassy many times previously, it really makes me proud to see the wonderful renovation done to the Chancery. We can really say that is a building we should all be proud of as Filipinos! Wow na wow talaga! The Ambassador and the whole Embassy team should be commended for this achievement!", quipped Filipino community leader Grace Cabactulan.
The event was co-sponsored by Manila Trading, importer and distributor of Philippine products, and Nida Philippine Products B.V. //END
