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Written by Cheryl Sevegan
The birthday of our beloved country is the biggest and most extravagant celebration annually and it has already become a yearly tradition that the Filipino community in Israel celebrates.
Last June 21 albeit belatedly, an organized program “Cultural Extravaganza” was held at the Duhl Auditorium wherein hundreds of Filipinos, Israelis and other foreign friends of the Filipino Community in Israel gathered together to commemorate our Independence Day.
Graced by His Excellency Ambassador Generoso D.G. Calonge and his staff, his speech dwelt on the history of our country’s liberty which became an interesting part of the program both for our guests and patriotic Pinoys.
It was a very colorful and vibrant night as muses and escorts both young and adults tiptoed on the catwalk, proudly modeling our very own unique national costumes elegantly.
Authentically brilliant cultural dances and native song performances were presented by different Filipino groups/organizations which left the audience awed. Watching and hearing our very own folk dances and songs made everyone feel the essence of the celebration though we are far away from our homeland.
The Filipino community would like to express it’s deepest gratitude and enormous appreciation to Ambassador Generoso D.G. Calonge, Cultural Attache Tess Reyes, Ma’am Leslie Mercado and husband, Sir Lanze Munar and Sir Simi Salpeter for gracing the event. To the generous sponsors who provided substantial contributions to make the event possible: Main Sponsor- Moneygram, minor sponsors Megaworld International, Daisy Khaled Jewelry shop, Yad Beyad Agency and those individuals who donated trophies and plaques for the winners- a big THANK YOU.
He also wished to express gratitude to all individuals for their various contributions: the Chairman of the 116th Philippine Independence Extravaganza 2014- Vice President James Manzon, the decoration committee for their willingness to give their time and effort headed by Ms Agnes Esguerra, Mr Wenifredo Gamban, Sonny Osorio and their assistants- the AIMWI agriculture students, the Marshalls chairman Mr Elias Gadiano and Mr Sanchez Santiago- PGBI, SI, APO and TAU GAMMA, the Usherrettes – Chairman Charlot David, AIMWI, PCO, Filipinos in Hatikva, Cavitenians Pride, Graphic designers Mr Joel Watan and Mr Wenifredo Gamban, the Clickers Photography, Mr Ramil Diaz, in-charge for the tickets at the entrance, Ellen Reyes and Irene Buazon, transportation by Mr Oscar Rafael and Angel Samar, Pres. of Kasurog Bicol, Mr Paul Esplana and Ms Margie Dumogdog, sashes of the candidates c/o Baraco, PCO, Cavitenians Pride and UFFI (winner sashes), corsage by Loreta Ferrarez and UFFI and to the different organizations (affiliated and non-affiliated ) that participated in the program, the Daddy’s Cool Band, the talented singers who performed at the program i.e. Alain David, Marife Aguilar, Eran Montemayor, Michelle Trinanis, Kuya Albert Bambao and the CFC Choir…
Thank you also to all judges and tabulators, Ms Violy Varias, Ms Minie Villanueva, and to Ms Grace Cardenas who was with us during all the preparations until the end, – THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
And last but not the least, our appreciations also go to all the Filipino communities that supported the grand celebration of our Independence Day in Israel. It wouldn’t be a resounding success without the shared efforts and contributions of everyone… Indeed, working together in unity certainly means a BIG SUCCESS! Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
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