On 08 June, the Philippine Embassy in Rome joined the Filipino community in the celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence through a Wreath-Laying Ceremony before the statue of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, and an Independence Day Cultural Celebration organized by the Philippine Independence Day Association (PIDA).
Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. and the entire Philippine Embassy staff led the wreath-laying ceremony at Piazzale Manila, and the opening of the whole-day celebration at Piazza Ankara.
Early in the morning of 08 June, the Ambassador led the Knights of Rizal, Guardians, Filipino councilors in Rome, Embassy staff and the Filipino community in laying a floral wreath at the shrine of our national hero at Piazzale Manila. It was also an advance birthday tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal’s 153rd birth anniversary on 19 June.
“Throughout his life, Dr. Rizal dedicated himself, his aspirations, his talents and his sacrifices for the love of country. The teachings of Dr. Rizal on freedom, love for country, and the importance of education and the youth are as relevant today as they were when he was alive,” remarked the Ambassador as the Filipino community paid tribute to their national hero.
Immediately thereafter, at the Piazza Ankara, and after the Parade of Evolution of Philippine Flags and the Ecumenical Invocation, the Ambassador formally declared the opening of the Filipino community’s celebration of Philippine independence to the release of peace doves and balloons.
In line with this year’s theme, “Kalayaan 2014: Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago” (following the footsteps of great filipinos, toward permanent and widespread change), the Ambassador emphasized in his message that each Filipino has a role to play in sustaining the impressive economic growth that the Philippines is now experiencing.
“Malinaw na ang bawat isa sa atin ay may mahalagang papel sa pagpapalawig ng pag-unlad sa ating bansa. Tayong lahat ay hinihikayat na ipagpatuloy ang pagtutulungan tungo sa isang mas maunlad na Pilipinas... na lahat ng Pilipino, maging ang mga mahihirap, ay aktwal na mararanasan ang pagbuti ng kanilang buhay. Ito ang ibig sabihin ng ‘malawakang kaunlaran’, isang pag-unlad na may kontribusyon ang bawat Pilipino, at dama ang mabuting epekto ng bawat Pilipino,” said the Ambassador.
The morning program of the community festivities highlighted Filipino culture, by showcasing the Filipino rituals and traditions such as the Tausug “Pangalay” and the Bulakenyo “Balagtasan”. It also featured reading of “Mi Ultimo Adios” by Andrea Bosca, Italian actor and performer.
Performers from the Filipino community in Rome and beyond gave the audience the following special cultural numbers:
Pangalay (a Tausug classic dance)
Balagtasan (the classical debate format of the Philippines)
“Ako ay Pilipino” Song
Monologue of an excerpt from the Noli Me Tangere written by Dr. Jose Rizal
Dance interpretation of the “Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa” Poem written by Gat Andres Bonifacio
Rendition of the “Mi Ultimo Adios”, Dr. Rizal’s last poem, by Italian actor Andrea Bosca
“Isang Lahi” Song
“Kalayaan” Rap
Philippine Folksongs and Tinikling classical dance
Kali/Arnis Original Filipino Martial Arts Exhibition
Banga Dance (classical folkdance of the Kalinga)
The afternoon program of the community celebration consisted of a variety show which featured various local talents from the Filipino community. PIDA also brought in artist Enchong Dee to provide entertainment to excited community members from different parts of Italy.
The whole-day event, which remained open to the general public for free, attracted more than 5,000 Filipinos from all over Italy.
