(Santiago, 14 June 2018) – The Philippine Embassy in Chile marked the 120th Independence Day of the Philippines in a grand celebration held with members of the diplomatic corps, Chilean officials and other VIPs at the NOI Hotel, Vitacura, on 14 June 2018.
In line with this year’s theme Independence 2018: Change We Fought For, An Offering To An Abundant Future or Kalayaan 2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay Sa Masaganang Kinabukasan, Chargé d’Affaires Marcos A.S. Punsalang highlighted in his speech the shared aspirations between the Philippines and Chile during their long struggle for independence. He also recalled how Chile’s General Bernardo O’Higgins supported Philippine sovereignty from Spain and how he established trade with Manila as early as 1819 through the launching of the Compañia de Calcuta.
The Embassy entertained 150 guests with a rendition of the Singkil performed by members of the Filipino community in Chile.
The Embassy arranged a demonstration of the Filipino martial arts, Kali, performed by Chilean practitioners from the PTK-SMF Santiago. The Embassy also set up a Kali booth where guests were able to view, touch and pose with traditional Filipino knives, swords, sticks and other weaponry.
Departing from usual tradition in celebrating national days in Chile, the Embassy arranged live performances, with organ accompaniment, of the Philippine and Chilean national anthems, sung by Ms. Marifel Gervacio and Ms. Francisca Jesus Diaz Rodriguez, respectively.
This very successful celebration is one of two Philippine national day celebrations held in Chile this year. The other celebration was organized by the Embassy on 02 June 2018 with over 400 members of the Filipino community. END
