Commemoration of the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence

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Philippine Consulate invites Fil-Can community to June 2014 Metro Vancouver Freedom Day rites in celebration of Philippines-Canada friendship:

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver announced that 12 major community events have been lined up for the month of June 2014 to commemorate the Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and celebrate the bonds and friendship between the Philippines and Canada.

Consul General Neil Ferrer said the Consulate is honored to have been invited to lead the festivities, organized by the various Filipino-Canadian community organizations in Metro Vancouver.

“I thank the various community groups for reaching out, working closely with the Consulate, and sharing information about their events. We owe it to them to show our solidarity with the Filipino nation and friendship with Canada by attending and actively participating,” Consul General Ferrer said.

The events this year include the Pista ng Bayan Community Picnic at Slocan Park on June 7; the Annual Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Surrey on June 8; the Independence Day parade and celebrations in New Westminster also on June 8; the Philippine Days Festival at the Waterfront Park in North Vancouver on June 14 and 15; and the Pagdiriwang 2014, the annual Independence Day program in Richmond on June 21.

There will also be the customary flag-raising ceremonies: at the Filipino Plaza in Vanness Avenue on June 1; at the New Westminster City Hall on June 8; at the Vancouver City Hall on June 12; and at the Waterfront in North Vancouver on June 15.

As in the previous years, the mayors and local officials of Vancouver, New Westminster and North Vancouver will be in attendance to preside over the hoisting of the Philippine flag and the singing of the Philippine national anthem in their respective Two major dinner-dance events have also been organized: the Philippine National Day Gala Dinner and Dance at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel on June 13; and the Philippines-Canada Friendship Ball at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown on June 28.

Consul General Ferrer said that June 2014 is definitely going to be a busy month for the Consulate and the community with so many activities lined up, but added that the eagerness and enthusiasm of Filipino-Canadians to celebrate Philippine independence and the friendship between the Philippines and Canada in so many different ways energizes the community.

“Filipinos love fiestas and celebrations. That is our nature as a friendly, freedom-loving and fun-loving people. That is why despite the hectic schedule, we are in full support of the activities, which showcase our unity despite belonging to many different groups and affiliations” Congen Ferrer said.

“Again, I invite everyone – Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike, to celebrate with us,” he added.