Bahrain: In commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day, Brand Syncbh with strategic partner Lulu Hypermarket and supported by the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain in collaboration with Good Cause-BH, welcomed the month of June with a one-day festival held last Friday, June 2, 2023, from 10 am -8 pm at Dana Mall.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was led by guest of honors H.E. Anne Jalando-on Louis, Philippine Ambassador, Mr. Yusuf Lori, Director of Information & Follow up – Capital Governorate, Mr. Juzer Rupawala, Director Bahrain & Egypt, Lulu Group International, Ms. Anette Avila, founder Good Cause Bahrain and Ric Advincula, Filipino Club President,
The event was opened by cultural dancers dancing to the traditional singkil dance, performed by Filipino nurses & a rhythmic rendition of Filipino songs by Magalak group choir.
The opening program was followed up by a bazaar tour, where a showcase of arts by the Filipino Creative Group was displayed, a water sports display by the Hurricane Dragon Boat racing team, Tasty Filipino treats by several Filipino-owned restaurants, original hand-woven bags and native items from the Philippines was also on sale. Lulu hypermarket also launched its exclusive Independence Day offer, 30% off all Filipino products from June 1-7 on all Lulu branches in Bahrain.
“We, Filipinos have been known for our love of food, music, and the arts, being a melting pot of different cultures – our heritage celebrates diversity and prosperity.
This event is also an opportunity for the Filipino communities to express our gratitude to our host country Bahrain,- through its generosity in providing us a safe and secure second home” – says Cristina Fulgencio, CEO of Brand Syncbh.
The event also featured a special cooking show, highlighting Filipino Fusion food by Chef Ted of Paborito and a panel discussion with the theme “Taste of the Philippines” where Filipino restaurant owners in Bahrain discussed the endless possibilities of Filipino cuisine and its role in promoting culture and traditions. Attendees also enjoyed playing the Filipino traditional game called “Sungka” (pronounced SOONG-kah) is a game played on a solid wooden block with two rows of seven circular holes and two large holes at both ends called “head”.
In the afternoon, an internationally award-winning short film “When We Danced” was also screened, a special message greeting the viewers was also shown by Director/ Producer &
Writer Ryan Moore an L.A.-based Fil-Am director whose films include the recent documentary movie of Manny Pacquiao.
The rest of the evening was filled with colorful cultural dances and song performances by various Filipino community groups.
The Philippine Independence Day is celebrated every 12th of June and this year’s theme is “Freedom, Future & History” aiming to strengthen people’s nationalism, love of the country, respect for its heroes, and pride for the people’s accomplishments by reinforcing the importance of Philippine national and local history in daily life with the end view of raising social consciousness.”
The commemoration was a fun-filled extravaganza for everyone, both Filipinos and non-Filipinos that offered an opportunity to build greater unity and understanding among the Filipino community residing in Bahrain.”
