Ambassador Crescente R. Relacion led the celebration on 14 June 2013 to commemorate the 115th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence with a simple flag raising ceremony at the new Philippine Embassy grounds in Jelaiah area. In line with this year’s theme: “Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran” or Pitching In Towards Inclusive Growth, Ambassador Relacion conveyed the resounding call of President Benigno S. Aquino III for every Filipino to do their share in ensuring a sustained development for the country. The opening ceremony which was attended by some 200 Filipino community groups representatives culminated with the traditional Almusal ng Bayan which featured samplings of traditional Filipino food and beverages.
The festivities continued with an array of activities which were organized by the FilCom-led Philippine Independence Day Organizing Committee at the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel. In keeping with the festive banner Kasiyahan, Kaunlaran para sa Kalayaan,the day-long celebration showcased a colorful Philippine tourism presentation, cultural show, flower show, trade fair and food festival. The children were also entertained with children’s show and fun activities like face painting and magic tricks. On the side were also services like gupitang bayan and medical and dental missions to promote health and wellness awareness among Filipinos in Qatar.
Celebrity host Arnel Ignacio and the winners of the Talentadong Pinoy Middle East also graced the Kantahan sa Doha, an annual music and dance extravaganza. Other events like the annual car show Pinoy Transhow and the band performances were also well-attended.
On the evening of 16 June 2013, Amb. Relacion also hosted a diplomatic reception for the members of the diplomatic corps and distinguished guests at the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, Salwa Ballroom. The event was graced the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage HE. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari who was accompanied by the MOFA Chief of Protocol, H.E. Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro.
In his message, Amb. Relacion recalled the noble sacrifices of our forefathers to achieve freedom and independence and related these sacrifices to our legacy to continue on to the greater task of nation-building to ensure sustainable development. He also shared the good news about the country’s robust economic growth and projected growth for the year 2013 and 2014, as well other positive economic developments in the Philippines. He also thanked Qatar, host to approximately 200,000 Filipinos, for its continued support in labor cooperation matters.
Throughout the evening, guests were serenaded by choice talents who rendered beautiful renditions of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) while they enjoy the cocktail reception. Around 200 guests, mostly members of the diplomatic corps, prominent local businessmen, members of the Filipino community leaders, and other friends of the Philippine Embassy attended the gathering.
Approximately 200 Filipinos attended the flag raising ceremony at the new Philippine Embassy grounds
A presentation of the evolution of the Philippine flag marked the start of the day-long festivities during the 115th Independence Day at the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel
Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Crescente R. Relacion and the Guest of Honor, HE. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage led the ceremonial cutting of the cake.
Ambassador Crescente R. Relacion addresses the members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests during the Philippine Independence Day diplomatic reception.
Officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Doha during the 115th Independence Day diplomatic reception at the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel.
