Abu Dhabi: The Filipino community in Abu Dhabi has prepared a month-long celebration to commemorate the 114th Philippine Independence Day next month with some events particularly focusing on financial literacy and pride in the Filipino culture.
"We plan to have a fiesta or festive atmosphere for the Filipinos to enjoy Independence Day. We have also lined up activities such as a financial literacy forum and training on June 15 where a group of trainers from Manila will come here to teach Filipinos how to save, invest, and prepare for their retirement as spearheaded by our ambassador," Ernesto Refugio, chairman of Bayanihan Council, the umbrella group of Filipinos in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, told Gulf News.
Chef to be flown in
A photo and food exhibition will be held beginning June 9 and will last for four days at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort. A Filipino chef from Manila has been invited to prepare national dishes.
"We would like to give emphasis on [Filipino] food, fun and flavour. These three will give that festive atmosphere that we usually experience when we're back home," Refugio said.
The Filipino Community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (Filcom-DNE), meanwhile, has organised special events for the two Fridays of June for the national day celebrations with the theme, Kalayaan, Kasiyahan, Kaunlaran (Freedom, Fun, and Progress). A whole-day affair has been set at the Safa Stadium on June 8 with cultural bazaars and talent showdowns as its highlights. Two celebrities from Manila are also expected to grace the event.
"On June 15, the Philippine Consulate General will open its grounds to host the Filipino Family Day," Alan Bacason, Filcom-DNE head, said.
The Philippines celebrates its independence from the colonial rule of Spain on June 12.
