114th PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY IN ATHENS

The Philippine embassy in Athens and the Filipino community celebrated the 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12,2012. The event is marked not only in the Philippines but also in other countries where Filipinos live and work.


AT THE ZAPPEION GROUNDS


The Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in Greece kicked off the series of events with an Independence Day parade at the Zappeion grounds led by Ambassador Meynardo LB Montealegre and embassy staff.The parade was also participated in by 34 various Filipino organizations in Filipino traditional attires and students from the Philippine schools.

The whole-day affair consisted of cultural presentations by the various Filipino organizations and schools,Philippine traditional games, talent search and raffle. One could feel the camaraderie, happiness and joy among the overseas Filipino workers, their families and friends. Among the audience were Greek and other foreign nationals who were invited by the participants.


It was my first time to witness how Philippine independence day is celebrated here in Athens. I was told that the thousands who attended was just a fraction of the more than 10,000 land-based Filipinos here. The atmosphere was one of fun and excitement, a welcome respite from their daily jobs. It was a very organized and excellent event. 




DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION


The diplomatic reception was held on June 12 at the Marriott Ledra Hotel. It was a well attended affair, with guests from the Greek Ministry of foreign Affairs and other government agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, Greek shipping companies and manning agencies, the academe, arts and culture enthusiasts. The leaders of the Filipino organizations were also present.

The highlight of the event was an exhibit of Philippine furniture and home decor set up by the embassy at the hotel foyer. It was the first time such an exhibit was set up by the Embassy. It featured antique and modern pieces from indigenous materials to show how a contemporary Filipino sala looks like. Among the showpieces admired by the guests were a bench made of antique molave wood in modern Filipino design, antique wooden chair, side table, chest (baul) and wood strip-made coffee table with Philippine map.