Dubai: Filipino expatriates in Dubai are in for a treat on Friday, with the Bayanihan Festival 2015 promising a whole day of fun and games, competitions, cultural performances, giveaways and a job fair.
The Bayanihan Festival is an annual event that aims to promote unity and camaraderie among the Filipino community. The term bayanihan refers to a Filipino tradition that depicts collective cooperative heroism for a common cause.
Eng. Cherry Pye Zablan-Torres, head of the organising committee, said the festival will have something for everyone. The programme includes Palarong Pinoy or Filipino Games; a Parol (star-shaped lanterns) and tent design contest; choir and cultural dance competition; a singing contest for children; a sports fest, and a variety show with local artists.
Some 20 companies from different sectors — such as real estate, insurance, hospitality, manufacturing and retail — will offer jobs to jobseekers.
“Bayanihan Festival 2015 is actually a year-end celebration for us Filipinos. It’s our thanksgiving day at the same time our celebration of the festive season,” Torres told Gulf News.
Torres said 15,000 Filipinos are expected to descend on Al Mamzar Park on Friday. One lucky person is expected to win a house in the Philippines while there are many giveaways for others too. Return tickets to the Philippines will also be given as prizes.
Filipino actor Dennis Trillo will be the celebrity guest at the event.
