(Santiago, 10 June 2023) The Philippine Embassy in Chile joined more than 300 members of the Filipino community and members of their families in celebrating the 125^th Proclamation of Philippine Independence, held at the PHL Chancery in Las Condes on 10 June 2023. The said event was so far the largest gathering of Filipino nationals in Chile for a PHL event.

The celebration, under this year’s theme: “Kalayaan 2023: Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan,” commenced with a flag raising ceremony at the Chancery followed by a national day mass co-celebrated by Msr. Riyyan Chaves Mendoza of the Apostolic Nunciature in Chile and Fr. Mauro Bolante of Religious Congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary.

The attendees listened to the Independence Day messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo.

In her official remarks, PHL Ambassador to Chile H.E. Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat highlighted the significance of June 12 as a time to recall the courage and many sacrifices of Filipino heroes of past years.  She encouraged the community to reflect on the significance of the national day, freedom, and independence, and emphasized how the country’s past is intertwined with its present and future.

Ambassador Balatbat underlined the common Hispanic heritage, shared democratic values, and the enduring friendship between Filipinos and Chileans as bridges that connect the two countries.

She also thanked the Chilean government for the speed and consistency with which the Navy, firefighters, Carabineros (Chilean national police), and local government staff have mobilized their land, air, and sea resources to conduct search, rescue, and recovery operations for a Filipino national swept to sea in Zapallar.

She called on the Filipino community in Chile to project a positive image of the Philippines.  She said, “Be examples of the best traits of a Filipino: diligence, reliability, concern for people, willingness to walk the extra, capacity for multiple responsibilities, resourcefulness, cheerfulness, resilience, and generosity.” She also thanked the Embassy team and the FilCom leaders and members who have contributed their time, talent, energy, and other resources for the success of the national day celebration.

The half-day celebration also featured the 2023 FilCom Singing Competition—a crowd favorite—showcasing Filipino talent and creativity.

Mr. Lawrence Lanticse won the 2023 FilCom Singing Competition with his faithful rendition of Martin Rivera’s Wildflower.  He was followed by Ms. Grace Arqueno (1^st runner-up) and Ms. Nonalie Dioso (2^nd runner-up) with their renditions of Filipino classics Bakit Ako Mahihiya and At Ang Hirap, respectively.

Jesus Is Lord Church members added to the festive mood by performing Sayaw sa Banko and Waray-Waray.

The Embassy sponsored raffle prizes ranging from shirts to home appliances, and served Filipino favorites: adobo, pancit, lumpiang shanghai, and kaldereta. The FilCom organizations, leaders, and organizers also served popular Filipino desserts and other dishes.

The Philippine Embassy’s 10 June 2023 Independence Day Celebration with the FilCom is the first of two celebrations planned by the Embassy this year. The Embassy’s 125^th Independence Day Celebration with Chilean Officials, Diplomatic Corps, and Foreign Guests will be held at the Club 50, Av. El Golf, on 12 June 2023. END