(Clockwise from top) Officials and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Doha celebrated 117th Independence Day; Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos delivered his remarks and read the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III; The Filipino community joins the flag raising ceremony at the embassy courtyard; The choral group, The Lord's Choir  led the singing of the Philippine National anthem.

12 June 2015 - Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos led the Filipino community in Qatar in the celebration of the 117th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. The  day-long celebration commenced with the ceremonial hoisting of the Philippine flag, followed by the traditional almusal ng bayan and a motorcade to the Sheraton hotel for the inauguration of the whole day celebration of the Independence Day  festivities.

During the morning ceremony at the embassy courtyard, the ambassador delivered a short message and shared the Independence Day message of Philippine President Benigno S Aquino III.

The annual festivities at the Sheraton Hotel started with the parade of colors together with the various Filipino organizations in Qatar. It was followed by a very informative presentation on the evolution of the Philippines flag,  as well as  colorful cultural presentations of traditional music and dances. The annual trade fair and one-stop shop  for embassy services, including the overseas voting registration, also attracted thousands of visitors.

Other attractions include the dance and singing competitions, rock bands showdown and the colorful car show.

The event concluded in the evening with a gala dinner and a fashion show which featured Filipiniana creations of Filipino designers in Qatar. END

(Clockwise) Parade of colors and the evolution of the Philippine flag; Ambassador Santos was welcomed by the Filipino community at the celebration in Doha Sheraton Hotel (upper right) where he addressed the Filipino community (middle right); Philippine Embassy officials and staff joined the opening flag ceremony at the Sheraton Al Dafna ballroom; Colorful dance presentations were presented by the students of the Philippine schools in Qatar.

(Photo on middle left) Gala Dinner organized by the United Filipino Organizations in Qatar and (Photos clockwise from L to R) Fashion Show participated in by the  Philippine Council of Fashion Designers of Qatar capped the celebration of  the 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Qatar.