Showcasing their cultural heritage and patriotic fervor, Filipino expatriates are set for a weekend of back-to-back celebrations to mark the 126th Philippine Independence Day at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Themed ‘Filipino Pride: Embracing Diversity, Celebrating Unity, and Love of Country,’ these events will highlight the rich traditions and contributions of Filipinos in the UAE.
The Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) will kick off the festivities with a grand event on Saturday, June 8, at Zabeel Hall 3, DWTC. This will be followed by Kalayaan (Freedom) 2024, another community celebration on Sunday, also at DWTC. Both events are free and open to the public.
Ericson Reyes, President of FilSoc, emphasized that the event would be packed with cultural presentations. “The whole day will be filled with activities including a Kalayaan choir competition, Barong at Filipiniana Fashion Show, and ‘WeBelong Catwalk,’ where Filipino People of Determination will be the models,” he said.
Additional highlights include an on-the-spot painting contest, a robotics display competition called Likha ng Siyensiya, a Pinoy bike show, Filipino street arts, Peryahan sa Kalayaan (traditional fair games), a Pinoy food bazaar, and free basic medical check-ups.
A Weekend of Cultural Showcase
Josie Conlu, organizer of Kalayaan 2024, noted that Sunday’s celebration would feature diverse programming with a Korean Corner, Swapmeet, Tamiya car display, and a full-scale art competition. “This year’s theme reflects our commitment to inclusivity and diversity, uniting people through shared passions,” she said.
This celebration also marks the 50th anniversary of UAE-Philippines diplomatic relations. “We are always grateful to our second home, the UAE, for the privilege and the freedom to celebrate what is so dear to our hearts,” Conlu added.
Notable activities include an indoor community parade at DWTC, a livelihood corner for those seeking extra income, a K-Pop Corner, an art exhibition, a Filipino food festival, and meet-and-greet sessions with Filipino celebrities Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, Jerome Ponce, and Krissha Viaje who have flown in from Manila.
Additional Festivities at City Centre Deira
City Centre Deira will also join the celebrations with a weekend of festivities. The Food Central will transform into a ‘Mini Manila’ until Wednesday, June 12. Dubai-based Filipina comedienne Imah Dumagay will perform a comedy show at Food Central on June 8.
Visitors can join a Karaoke Night on Saturday from 6 PM to 11 PM, participate in a trivia quiz about ‘Inang Bayan’ (motherland), and enjoy a flash mob performance by various dance groups on Wednesday. The finale on June 12 will feature a flag-raising ceremony attended by Philippine diplomatic officials and community leaders.
