Dubai: Filipino expatriates in Dubai gathered Friday at Zabeel Hall 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre for an early celebration of the 119th Philippine Independence Day.
Participants arrived as early as 7am for the day-long celebration, which kicked off with a parade and lyre presentation and featured cultural shows, an expo and various competitions. Paul Raymund Cortes, the Philippine Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, officially opened the celebration. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Constancio Vingno Jr. addressed the community.
Philippine Independence Day is celebrated every June 12, marking the end of more than three centuries of Spanish rule over the archipelago. However, organisers are commemorating the event a month early as June 12 falls during Ramadan this year.
Activities this year included competitions like on-the-spot painting contest, Pinoy Hair Style showdown and Original Pinoy Music (OPM) singing competition in the morning.
In the afternoon there were Battle of the Bands and Mr. and Miss Philippine Independence Day.
One of the highlights of the day was a performance by Filipino artist Rannie Raymundo, who serenaded his compatriots with his songs. Filipino rock band Nexxus also performed during the event.
Filipino restaurants and shops also showcased a variety of Filipino food and products. A job fair was also held during the event.
