Philippine Independence Day celebrations lined up from June 12

Dubai - There will be fireworks displaying the colours of the Philippines flag at the DFC on June 12 night.

To commemorate the 121st Philippine Independence Day on June 12, the Philippines consul-general has announced a series of activities and celebrations that will take place throughout this month.
Philippine Consul-General in Dubai and Northern Emirates, Paul Raymund P. Cortes, said on Monday: "On June 12, we will begin early at 7.30am here at the Philippines consulate in Dubai with the flag hoisting ceremony, which will bring pride and joy to people, reminding them about their heritage, roots and history."
"We will also host a small programme at the consulate that will include Christian and Muslim (two major religions in the Philippines) religious leaders praying for the country and its people, followed by a presentation from a Filipino that will encapsulate the solemnity of the event," said Cortes.
Spectacular show
On June 12 evening, Dubai Festival City (DFC) Mall will customise their record-breaking sound and light show called Imagine to project Philippine history. The Imagine show offers a unique sensory experience, using the power of light, water, and fire, combined with giant aqua screens, 30 fountains and sound to connect with audiences. Cortes will inaugurate the live show that will take place every hour from 9pm. The show will run from June 13 to 15.
Besides, there will be fireworks displaying the colours of the Philippines flag at the DFC on June 12 night.
On June 14, the consulate is organising a grand day-long celebration of the Philippines Independence Day at Zaabeel Hall 5 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 9am to 8pm.
The day will be dedicated to manifestations of Philippine art, culture, history and heritage. We would want to share the joy of being a productive migrant community with others, he added.
The celebrations at the DWTC will also see the Philippines consulate give out several free tickets for Dubai Parks and Resorts (Motiongate, Legoland and Bollywood parks), that will witness special programmes on June 15 along with display of fireworks.
The Philippine consulate has partnered with Dubai Parks and Resorts to reduce the entry fee to Dh39 for Filipino nationals from June 12-June 15. "We will have the main event in the Bollywood Parks at 5pm to show what it is like to celebrate Philippines Independence Day together with our Indian brothers," Cortes said. The consulate is looking to have a free shuttle on June 15 from Ibn Battuta Metro station to the Dubai Parks and Resorts.
On June 18, the Philippine consulate has invited famous Filipino painter, sculptor, writer and book illustrator Manuel Baldemor to Dubai to hold a workshop at its office at 6pm.
On June 22, celebrations will be held in Umm Al Quwain at the China Mall from 4pm onwards. And the I-Day celebrations will culminate on June 29 with a big musical concert that the consulate, featuring famous Filipino musician Ryan Cayabyab.
saman@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai