RIYADH, 11 June 2003 — Thousands of Filipinos are expected to swamp the Philippine Embassy again this coming weekend as the community celebrates Philippine Independence Day. A number of activities have been lined up, with various groups participating to help make the event more memorable.
Independence Day-related activities actually kicked off on May 23 with the opening of the Kalayaan Cup 2003 Unified Tennis Tournament, which will culminate on Friday at the embassy.
A flag-raising ceremony will be held early tomorrow, June 12, the day revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence from Spanish colonizers 105 years ago.
Next to the flag ceremony is a food festival at the embassy car park, after which Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla will inaugurate a photo exhibition at the chancery lobby at 9:30 p.m.
Organized by the CAMERAderie Photography Club, the exhibition entitled “Your Best Shots” features 68 entries from all over the Kingdom. Judging of entries will be held the following day.
Scheduled at 6 p.m. tomorrow is the Gabi ng Kulturang Pilipino (Night of Philippine Culture) to be held at the multipurpose court of the embassy.
Presenting the famous Kulintang and Sagayan Warrior Dance is the Maguindanao Overseas Workers Association. The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) will do a chorale rendition of Dahil Sa Iyo and Kalesa.
To present Singkil, another famous Maranao dance, are representatives of the International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR).
Elite International School will also have its chorale rendition of Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika and a Tausug dance number, Sua Ku Sua. Riyadh International School (RIS) will present an interpretative dance number.
Batang Teatro, a new theater group will stage a short play Rebolusyon 1896. On Friday at 9 a.m., a medical mission organized by the Filipino Nurses Society In Saudi Arabia (Filnasa) and the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. will open at the Mabini Hall and community members who have no health insurance protection are invited for a free medical and dental consultation with the modern day “Dr. Jose Rizals.”
