Filipinos gather at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Friday to celebrate the Philippines' 120th Independence Day. Philippine Independence Day is commemorated on June 12. Since the date falls during Ramadan this year, consulate officials and volunteers have organised celebrations on June 15.
Gulf News' Irish Eden Belleza, Jobannie Tabada and Janice Ponce de Leon bring you the highlights from the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Dubai. Follow our live coverage here:
5.35pm
Martin Nievera performs at the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Dubai.
5pm
Filipino actress and singer Arci Muñoz performs at the Dubai World Trade Centre
3.35pm
The band is playing right now the official theme song of this year’s Philippine Independence Day.
Battle of the bands at the Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
10.15am
Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes welcomed more than 10,000 Filipinos at Zabeel Hall on Friday.
"We would like to share the happiness of the celebration of our independence to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE," Cortes said in his speech.
"Let's show the world why Filipinos are positive contributors to any society. We are proud to say that we're not only the third-largest community in the UAE but also the most active and happiest people in the country," he added.
For his part, Joel Foronda, chair of the 120th PID organising committee, urged the community to look back and be inspired by the sacrifices of their forefathers to gain the country's blood-bought independence. He also encouraged them, as modern day heroes, to continue to support the country's leadership in bringing positive and lasting change in the country.
9.40am
There are many events being held on the sidelines as well. Among them is Vegetable and fruit Carving Competition that will begin at 10am. Participants are all geared up to show their mettle. But for now, it's time for a warm-up.
9.30am
At this year's Job Fair, employment opportunities from different sectors are available including in the retail, oil and gas, hospitality, food and beverage, logistics, and education.
Jobseekers will be shortlisted and interviewed by respective employers on the spot, Yumi Nituda from Filipino HR Club said.
9am
The Dubai World Trade Centre is abuzz with activity.
8.57am
Among those present are Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes and wife, Dr. Yasmin B Cortes.
8.30am
Scores of Filipino organisations from across the country joining the Independence Day parade have entered Zabeel Hall 1 to kick off the daylong event. The New Filipino Private School Band entertains the crowd as the organisations fill the hall.
Participants proudly wear the colours of the Philippine flag -- yellow, red, blue and white -- and traditional Philippine attire, the baro't saya and barong.
A separate queue is reserved for jobseekers. Nurses and teachers will be hired on the spot today.
7.30am
The crowds are gathering in earnest and it looks like we are set for a colourful celebration.
Here's a look at the welcoming act.
Filipinos are gathering at the Dubai World Trade Centre today to celebrate the Philippines' 120th Independence Day. Follow our live coverage here https://t.co/21lVA5SSZM pic.twitter.com/1eKvbKMjB9
— Gulf News (@gulf_news) June 15, 2018
7.15am
People are beginning to trickle into the Dubai World Trade Centre; the celebrations are expected to start soon.
Here are the highlights of the event
Opening parade
Hundreds of Filipino groups in the UAE are taking part in the opening parade to kickstart a full day of music, fun and entertainment.
Motorcade
For the first time, a motorcade comprising of vehicles with some of the best Philippine-themed designs makes its way from the Philippine Consulate General in Al Ghusais to the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Celebrity performers
Philippine singer Martin Nievera and actress Arci Munoz take the stage at 3pm for a musical performance to remember.
More events
The daylong event includes a beauty pageant, a hip-hop dance competition, a battle of the bands, and food carving competitions.
