Fiesta time for Pinoys in UAE on Independence day today

We Filipinos have a way of celebrating our country's national day in a way that also befits our character: with pomp, pageantry and fiesta. But it doesn't mean that we don't take our history - written in blood and struggle - seriously.
On June 12, the Philippines, recognised as the first republic in Asia, will commemorate its 119th Independence Day. But since the date falls in the holy month of Ramadan, Filipino expats in Dubai and the northern emirates, led by the Philippine Consulate and FilClub, will instead celebrate it a month earlier - today, on May 12. And as we pay homage to our forefathers who sacrificed their lives abolishing more than three centuries of Spanish colonial rule, we also pay tribute to our cultural heritage and tradition.
So what's on the cards? "It will be a whole day of fiesta-like atmosphere at the World Trade Centre," Tata Dayot, chairman of FilClub, told Khaleej Times in a chat. "The celebrations will be accompanied by Philippine cultural dance presentations, expats wearing the national costume and sales of Filipino delicacies. There will also be a Mr and Miss Teen Philippine Independence Day (PID) 2017 competition, on-the-spot painting contest, Pinoy hairstyle challenge, battle of the bands, and original Pinoy music singing competition."
"The event highlights Philippine music, art, dance, ingenuity, and creativity and is a manifestation of the excellence of the Filipinos in these fields and how they contribute in shaping the global creative and art scene," adds Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes.
But the unpleasant historical experiences are not just being swept under the rug. For a migrant worker like Joey Tiberio, who has lived in Dubai for almost two decades and works for Philippine Airlines, Philippine Independence Day, also known as Araw ng Kalayaan, is a historical guidepost.
"Our forefathers defended our homeland against foreign invaders but Filipinos nowadays are scrambling to go to a foreign land to find suitable employment," Joey says. "It seems ironic, isn't it? But we can always draw inspiration from our heroes in the past and win our own (economic) battles today. Working abroad and leaving your family at home is also a heroic act," he adds.
Collectively, overseas Filipinos are also called modern-day heroes for contributing immensely to the Philippine economy. With our numbers reaching more than 10 million around the world, we were able to send home a record $26.9 billion (Dh98.8b) last year, up five per cent from the $25.61 billion (Dh94b) we remitted in 2015.
Now, how about the Filipino expat kids in Dubai? What are their thoughts on Philippine independence? History and civic duties are being taught in Philippine schools.
Every year, the organisers conduct a search for Mr and Miss Teen PID. It's a challenge not just of being physically becoming but also of establishing camaraderie in the community.
Bianca Louise D. Badando, 17, last year's Miss Teen PID, says: "It was a matter of immense pride for me to win the title. My ordinary life became extraordinary after I gained more friends during the competition."
The grade 11 student at United International Private School in Dubai says, "On a personal level, I developed my communication skills and learnt to present myself in front of people. Moreover, I got to learn more of our culture and tradition as I was also exposed to many Filipino activities." 
The same is true for Justin Andrew Santiago Sepulveda, Mr Teen PID 2016 winner. "I realised at my age, I am also capable of influencing the Filipino community. I was a shy and timid person before but now I'm very active. I've joined a dance group, Toastmasters International and also ventured into photography."
"For me," says the Grade 10 student at Far Eastern Private School in Sharjah:, "the PID celebration is not just about our collective history but also about individual achievements. I gained a bigger perspective in life and my advice to the youth like me is to find the 'bigger, better and bolder version' of yourself."
And this I can agree with. Justin says, "We can always look back at our history to learn lessons but we should not forget to chart our own journey."
Angel sees news in everything. Outside of work, it's time to celebrate
angel@khaleejtimes.com
 
 
 

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