Latest news with #PhilippineIndependence
Herald Malaysia
20-06-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Filipinos celebrate independence with Mass
Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce and officials from the Philippine Embassy joined the Filipino Catholic community for Mass on June 8 at the Cathedral of St Johnto commemorate the opening of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence. Jun 20, 2025 KUALA LUMPUR: Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce and officials from the Philippine Embassy joined the Filipino Catholic community for Mass on June 8 at the Cathedral of St Johnto commemorate the opening of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine on Pentecost Sunday, the Mass brought together Filipinos from across the city for a moment of prayer, thanksgiving, and national reflection. It was organised by Tahanang Pilipino, a Filipino Catholic community that regularly gathers for spiritual fellowship and priest, Fr Gerard Theraviam, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. The Philippine flag stood prominently beside the altar, symbolising unity and patriotism among overseas Filipinos. During the Mass, special prayers were offered for the Philippines, its leaders, and the millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) around the world. The celebration served not only as a tribute to the country's independence but also as a reminder of the resilience and faith of the Filipino diaspora.
Gulf Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Ambassador hails UAE-Philippines ties on I-Day
On the occasion of the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2025, Philippine Ambassador Ferdinand Alfonso Ver told his fellow Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates: 'As we mark the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence, we reflect on the meaning of the theme of the celebration: Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan (Freedom, Future, History) and honour the sacrifices of our heroes; celebrate the freedoms we now enjoy; and embrace the shared responsibility to shape a better future. This year's celebration is particularly significant as we highlight the growing and strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.' 'Anchored in mutual respect and reinforced by the presence of nearly a million Filipinos in the UAE, our bilateral relations have expanded into a forward-looking cooperation and collaboration in new and previously untapped fields. The official visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to the UAE in November 2024 reaffirmed the strength of our diplomatic relations and opened new doors for strategic cooperation.' 'The signing of key bilateral agreements has laid the foundation for greater partnerships in the critical areas of trade and investment; renewable and clean energy; cultural cooperation; digital transformation and innovation; environmental protection; public safety and security; and improved government services. These achievements are not only symbolic of the growing trust between our nations but also tangible commitments to our shared vision for economic resilience, technological advancement, and sustainable development. The UAE's leadership in AI, digital transformation, and smart technologies aligns closely with the Philippines' own aspirations.' 'Filipinos in the UAE – as IT professionals, engineers, creatives, and innovators – are contributing meaningfully in these advanced fields, embodying the Filipino spirit of excellence, dedication and resilience. This year, the UAE celebrates the Year of Community. We take great pride in the integral role that the Filipino community plays in this country's success and in enriching the UAE's social and economic fabric.' 'Filipino workers and entrepreneurs continue to be active contributors not just in traditional sectors, but increasingly in knowledge-based industries, reinforcing their value as partners in nation-building – both here and at home. The Filipino community continues to thrive in this land of opportunity and inclusion while carrying the legacy of our hard-won independence. We honor their sacrifices and their vital role in strengthening Philippines-UAE relations.' 'As we look toward the future, let us celebrate not only the freedom we cherish, but also the strong and evolving partnership we share with the UAE – a relationship that continues to grow in breadth, depth, innovation, shared purpose, and mutual benefit.'
Filipino Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Philippine flag raised in Riyadh to commemorate 127 years of independence
In celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, led by Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat, conducted a ceremonial flag-raising on June 12. The event was joined by all its attached agencies as a symbol of unity and patriotism, honoring the country's continuing journey of freedom and nationhood. The Embassy paid tribute to the Philippines' long-standing values of freedom, future, and history during the brief but meaningful ceremony. Ambassador Balatbat also extended his Independence Day message to Filipinos around the world, highlighting the resilience of the global Filipino community. 'Wherever we may be, we carry the legacy of our forebears—their courage, dreams, and sacrifices—fueling our drive to build a future filled with both hope and opportunity,' said Ambassador Balatbat in a statement sent to The Filipino Times. He added, 'As we celebrate our nation's freedom, let us stand united in embodying the strength of our heritage and the limitless potential of our people. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Mamamayang Pilipino!'
The Star
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Marcos to Filipinos: Protect our liberty; ‘apathy' is freedom's enemy
MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (pic) on Independence Day said that freedom must be defended and upheld, warning that its greatest enemy is 'apathy' toward national issues. In his speech during the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at Quirino Grandstand on Thursday (June 12), Marcos also paid tribute to the nation's forefathers who fought for freedom. 'From their sacrifices, the Republic of the Philippines gradually emerged,' he said. 'Today, we can freely express our thoughts without fear and pursue our desires without avoidance. In the New Philippines, sharing one's opinion is not a crime, much less is criticism a wrongdoing. On the contrary, it is what gives life and lustre to our democracy,' he added. Marcos stressed that freedom and democracy — like love for one's homeland — must be nurtured, protected, and fought for. 'Because the true enemy of freedom is apathy—apathy to the cries of the people, apathy to the condition of our fellow citizens, apathy to the welfare of our nation,' he added. As a public servant himself, Marcos urged all government officials not to take the public's trust for granted. 'From broken bridges and roads to expensive food and power shortages, the people long for genuine action and service. The solution lies in improving the quality of life for everyone,' he said. 'We must hasten our response to the needs of our fellow citizens, raise the quality of public service, and correct our shortcomings,' he added. 'Let us hold accountable not only those who abuse their power but also those who fall short in their duty to serve.' Marcos also said that fake news and misinformation can erase one's way of life, culture, and value system. 'Endless lies—false news and misinformation—are the plagues of our freedom,' he said. 'It is also disheartening that some of our fellow citizens continue to push false beliefs—not for the good of the Filipino people, but to serve the interests of others,' he added. He then called on Filipinos to always choose honesty, even when no one is watching, and to take a stand, especially when wrongdoing occurs. 'Let us honour this day not just by remembering the sacrifices of our forefathers. We must live with the same courage and love of country; for freedom is not just something that we inherit but a right that we must protect every single day,' he said. He also reminded the public that 'freedom is fleeting,' and it should be cherished every day. Marcos led the celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence in a ceremony held at Rizal Park. He spearheaded the flag-raising at the Independence Flagpole and the wreath-laying at the Rizal National Monument, followed by the Parada ng Kalayaan 2025, which highlighted key historical events that shaped the nation's path to independence. Simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies were also conducted at various historical sites, including the Dambanang Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite, Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan, Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City, and the Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City. In his Independence Day message earlier in the day, Marcos urged Filipinos to value the nation's heritage by protecting their rights and freedoms and using them to uplift and safeguard others. 'So, let us continue to bear the vigor of our ancestors as we defend our nation against those who seek to diminish the strength of our people,' he added. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Morocco World
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Philippines, Morocco Mark 50 Years with Cultural Tribute
Rabat – For the first time in its decades-long journey, the Filipino performing arts ensemble Kontra-GaPi is heading to Africa. The group, known formally as Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino, will spend ten days in Morocco as part of a landmark celebration marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence and five decades of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Morocco. The visit, announced by Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja, carries a sense of pride and anticipation. For Baja, this is more than a cultural tour, and more of a personal chapter in a long story of representing his country through art. He recalled Kontra-GaPi's performance in Switzerland in 2013, during his previous diplomatic post. The memory, he noted, never quite left those who witnessed it. 'He has this knack of bringing out the artistic side of his audiences', Baja said in a press statement. 'I am sure, this time, he will rock Morocco!' Baja is speaking of Professor Pedro 'Edru' Abraham Jr., the ensemble's founder and guiding spirit for over thirty years. A fixture at the University of the Philippines, Abraham has spent most of his life tracing, preserving, and reshaping the country's indigenous traditions. Unlike typical musical acts, Kontra-GaPi does not aim for spectacle. Their strength lies in the quiet force of bamboo instruments, the haunting power of chants, and the rhythm of ritual. It is a performance that feels less like a show and more like an invitation to listen, to history, to ancestry, to what remains unsaid. The ensemble's visit to Morocco includes more than concerts. The group will also meet with students, artists, and scholars to share what they know through workshops and conversations. In this way, their presence becomes an exchange, not just a presentation. Moroccan audiences will encounter something rare, Filipino culture as lived and remembered, not packaged or simplified. For a group that has spent years carrying memory across continents, Morocco now becomes part of the journey. 'One really feels welcomed here in Morocco,' said Baja recently in an exclusive interview with Morocco World News (MWN). The ambassador also expressed confidence that the next 50 years will build on the achievements of the past half-century. 'We hope to further strengthen economic ties and deepen both bilateral and multilateral cooperation,' he concluded on a high note. Tags: CultureMoroccoMorocco Philippines tiesPhilippines
