Latest news with #PhilippineIndependenceDay
Filipino Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
PH Embassy in UAE invites Filipino community to visit Juan Luna's Una Bulaqueña at Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Philippine Embassy in the UAE warmly invites the Filipino community to visit the iconic painting Una Bulaqueña by revered painter and sculptor Juan Luna, currently on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi. In an interview, His Excellency Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, encouraged the overseas Filipinos, especially the schoolchildren, to take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience a national treasure that celebrates Filipino heritage and artistry on the international stage. 'We are very glad that Una Bulaqueña is here. It is a product of the cooperation between our two countries and our pride in showing the genius of the Filipino,' the Ambassador said on the sidelines of the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Abu Dhabi. 'So it's here, and I invite all of you, we're inviting all the schoolchildren, please, through your schools, pumunta kayo. 'Yung mga administrator, bibigyan namin kayo ng ticket. 'Yung mga bata naman libre,' he added. According to Louvre Abu Dhabi's official website, all visitors under 18 years old can enter free of charge. 'It's not just a matter of pride, but it's a real work of art that you should appreciate. It attaches you to our Philippine history and culture, and it's something that you can be proud of and probably even inspire you,' Ambassador Ver said. He also highlighted the significance of Saadiyat Island as a global cultural hub, hosting not only the Louvre Abu Dhabi, but also the interfaith complex Abrahamic Family House, and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum. Una Bulaqueña, an oil painting depicting a young woman from Bulacan dressed in traditional Filipino attire, will be exhibited until June 2026. This collaboration marks the first direct partnership between Louvre Abu Dhabi and the National Museum of the Philippines, symbolizing the strengthening cultural ties between the UAE and the Philippines. 'I'm so proud that because of our cultural ties, we have a cultural agreement with the UAE. One of the fruits and the results of that is a loan of one of our national treasures in the very prestigious Louvre Abu Dhabi here in Saadiyat Island,' Ambassador Ver said. Painted in 1895, Una Bulaqueña was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2008. The artwork is a striking blend of European artistic techniques and Filipino identity during the Spanish colonial period.
Al Bawaba
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Viva Kalayaan! Ooredoo Joins the Celebration for the 2025 Philippine Independence Day
Ooredoo participated in the 2025 Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Oman as the official telecom sponsor. The event, held last week, was a vibrant tribute to culture, community, and connection, reflecting Ooredoo's strong bond with the dynamic Filipino community in the Ooredoo team was at the heart of the celebrations with a dedicated space, where they shared the latest offers, showcased innovative products, and connected with attendees in a festive Independence Day is not only a celebration of heritage, but also a chance to honour the vibrant role this community plays in Oman's social and economic landscape. As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, Ooredoo is proud to support events that bring people together and celebrate the rich cultural fabric of Oman. By participating in this important day, Ooredoo reinforces its role in supporting communities through more than just telecom services, fostering meaningful connections and shared experiences. The company continues to lead with purpose, blending innovation with a human touch, and supporting communities through inclusivity, engagement, and cutting-edge digital experiences. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
GMA Network
20-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Palace on VP Sara's trip to Australia: Personal or for country?
''Pang personal o pang bayan? That is the question.'' This was the reaction of Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Friday as regards the travel of Vice President Sara Duterte to Australia for a personal trip. Castro said it would be Duterte's choice if she prefers to travel. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) revealed that her itinerary includes attendance in the "Free Duterte Now" rally on Sunday, June 22, in Melbourne. The elder Duterte is currently detained at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands over charges of crimes against humanity for the extrajudicial killings during his administration's war on drugs. GMA News Online has reached the OVP for comment on Castro's remark but it has yet to reply as of posting time. Last week, the Vice President traveled to Kuala Lumpur for a personal trip with her family. While in Malaysia, she attended a Philippine Independence Day celebration and engaged in a program consultation with overseas Filipino workers. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
20-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Sara Duterte bound for Australia, to join rally for dad Rodrigo
Vice President Sara Duterte addresses the media in front of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands on March 14, 2025. Photo by: Jay-Vee Marasigan Pangan Vice President Sara Duterte will travel to Australia for another personal trip and to join a protest action calling for the release of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. According to an advisory Friday from the Office of the Vice President (OVP), her itinerary includes attendance in the "Free Duterte Now" rally on Sunday, June 22, in Melbourne. The elder Duterte is currently detained at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands over charges of crimes against humanity for the extrajudicial killings during his administration's war on drugs. Last week, the Vice President traveled to Kuala Lumpur for a personal trip with her family. While in Malaysia, she attended a Philippine Independence Day celebration and engaged in a program consultation with overseas Filipino workers. The Vice President is facing an impeachment case for betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. She was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint against her. After the Senate voted to return her case to the House of Representatives, her impeachment trial is currently expected to begin in the 20th Congress, which will open in July. The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday directed Sara Duterte and nine others from the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd) to respond to the charges filed by the House of Representatives in connection with the alleged misuse of confidential funds. The order came after the House filed a complaint against Duterte and several others for plunder, technical malversation, falsification, use of falsified documents, perjury, bribery, corruption of public officers, betrayal of public trust, and culpable violation of the Constitution, a source said. The complaint stemmed from the recommendation of the House Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability to file charges against Duterte for the alleged misuse of P500 million in confidential funds of the OVP and P112.5 million in confidential funds of DepEd from 2022 to 2024. The Vice President has denied the allegations against her. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Fil-Am lawmaker Luz Bay responds to criticism for calling PH her ‘home country'
A Filipino American lawmaker in New Hampshire, Rep. Luz Bay, delivered a strong speech on the House floor after being asked why someone who called the Philippines her 'home country' was allowed to serve in the U.S. legislature. Bay, a Democrat representing Strafford County District 21, made the statement a week after commemorating Philippine Independence Day during a House session. 'A week ago, I spoke at this very podium about the Independence Day celebration of my home country, the Philippines,' Bay said in the video. 'Shortly after my speech, I was asked how someone who calls the Philippines my home country is allowed to serve in this House.' 'I want to respond, not just for myself, but for the thousands of immigrants, new Americans, and children of immigrants, who contribute every day to the strength of this state of this country,' she added. She responded, 'Let me say it clearly: I am here because I belong here,' Bay said. 'My constituents in Strafford County District 21 elected me under the same laws, with the same legitimacy, as anyone in this room,' she said. 'My birthplace does not make me less American. My accent does not disqualify me from public service. And my identity as Filipino American does not make me aghast.' Bay highlighted America's immigrant history, adding: 'Unless you are Indigenous to this land, unless your ancestors walked here before borders, before colonization, before the concept of immigration even existed, you too are descended from immigrants. 'Some of our families came centuries ago, others came fleeing war, poverty, persecution, or simply searching for the promise that America holds. My story is part of that American story. It is not the footnote. It is a verse in the song of this nation,' Bay said. Bay ended her speech by affirming her identity and what America stands for, saying it is 'a place where democracy is enriched by diversity, where freedom means the opportunity to serve, and where strength lies in our shared commitment to justice, not in the sameness of our origins.' 'I represent my district with pride. I serve this state with integrity, and I stand in this chamber with the full rights and responsibilities that come with my being an American,' Bay said. 'This is my home. This is my country, and I'm not going anywhere,' she concluded. Many netizens expressed their pride for Bay's resolve: 'Luz, that was an articulate and powerful response to the unjustified insult spoken against you and all immigrants. You are a brilliant and important contribution to our legislature, our state, and our nation. We are honored to have you,' one netizen remarked. Other netizens criticized the person who questioned Bay's right to serve in the U.S. legislature: 'Luz, nakalungkot na may mga racist na hindi nila alam kung saang lupalop sila nanggaling,' the netizen wrote. 'Ipinagmamalaki ka namin.' The colleague who questioned her right to serve has not been publicly named.
