17 June 2016 - Filipinos in Argentina gathered on June 12 at the Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires to celebrate the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Before the start of the program, the Filipino community organized a mass officiated by Fr. Isidro Cipres, a Filipino priest.
The program opened with the singing of the Philippine national anthem and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag. The members of the Filipino community were then invited to join in the singing of “Bayan Ko” which left many of them teary-eyed.
Philippine Ambassador to Buenos Aires Ma. Amelita C. Aquino gave her welcome remarks and read the Independence Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, followed by the reading of the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Rene Almendras by Consul Ma. Carmela Teresa Cabreira.
To enliven the occasion, members of the Filipino community and embassy personnel presented dance numbers. An interpretative dance of the song “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi at Musica” was performed by Filipino community member Elsa Clapis.
Filipino dishes were served during the event which ended with karaoke singing. END
