Press Release No. EBB-49-2019

PCG HOSTS DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE PHILIPPINES’ 121^st INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY

17 June 2019 – In celebration of the 121^st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah hosted a diplomatic reception at the Intercontinental Hotel on 17 June 2019. The event was attended by around 300 guests from the Jeddah Consular corps, Saudi government offices, the private sector, and the Filipino community.   The event was graced by guest H.E. Jamal Balkhoyor, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Makkah Al-Mukarramah Branch.

Philippine Consul General to Jeddah Edgar B. Badajos, in his message, said that this year’s Independence Day celebration highlights the Philippines’ political, economic, and socio-cultural spheres since the country became an independent and sovereign nation.

The event showcased Filipino culture through various musical performances by established Filipino musical groups in Jeddah. A fashion show was also held with Consulate personnel sashaying Philippine traditional costumes that represent the different eras in Philippine history, much to the delight of the audience. The guests were serenaded with Kundiman Music or Filipino Philippine Love Songs by The Serenata Children’s Choir and String Chamber Orchestra, with its Musical Director, Ms. Sylvia DS Delos Santos on the piano and Mr. Giovanni Paolo DS Delos Santos on the violin. The Kulintang, an ancient instrumental form of music from Southern Philippines, was played by Nunungan International Organization.

Traditional Filipino dishes were included in the buffet dinner provided to guests, highlighted by an ice cream or sorbetes cart, prominently displayed during the reception. END

Consul General Edgar Badajos (3^rd from right) with Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Al-Mukarramah Branch Director
General Jamal Balkhoyor (4^th from right) and Consuls General of the Asian Consuls General Club lead in the cake-cutting ceremony.

Jeddah PCG officers led by Consul General Edgar Badajos (rightmost) welcome the guests at the Philippine national
day diplomatic reception. Officers include Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal (2^nd from right), Vice Consul Lemuel Lopez
(4^th from right), Vice Consul Sheila Briones (3^rd from left), Vice Consul Alfred Kristoffer Guiang (2^nd from left), and
Labor Attache Naser Munder (1sr from left). Consul General of Riyadh PE Christopher Patrick Aro (3^rd from right)
also joined the Jeddah PCG officers in welcoming the guests.

Nunungan International Organization plays the kulintang in its Mindanao musical ensemble.

Jeddah PCG personnel in the fashion show of Philippine traditional costumes representing various eras in Philippine history