Press Release No. 20-2016
Date: 17 August 2016
(Jeddah, 14 August 2016)- The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, in cooperation with the OFW Cooperative Council, 1 Ganap Guardians Scorpion and other various Filipino community organizations here in Jeddah, gathered together to celebrate Philippine culture and heritage.
The whole day event held on 29 July 2016 at the Consulate’s premises includes activities such as (1) OPM & KaMFi Toastmasters’ Patimpalak ng Talumpating Handa at Hindi Handa; (2) The Filipino Stars in Jeddah (TFSJ’s) Mini Concert; (3) Jef-Filcom’s Free Massage; (4) Free Dental, Opthal, Medical Mission by KRSDA and Dalaw Kalinga; (5) Free Manicure, Pedicure and Facial by Kabalikat Civicom; (6) VFSTPCII’s Values Formation Seminar; (7) Unite’s SOOC Photography; and (8) Physical fitness and Zumba exercises by PCR Zumba Shakerz. The highlight of the evening was the Fil-Com “Show Us Your Talent” contest, cultural presentations and awarding ceremony. Consul General Imelda M. Panolong was Guest Speaker and Guest of Honor.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Panolong thanked the members of the Filipino community for their continued support and cooperation with the Consulate. She also congratulated the Filipino community organizations for organizing such gathering, offering services to Kababayans and giving entertainment by showcasing their versatility and talents. She further said that commemorating the declaration of Philippine Independence through performances and talent shows is a great way to express our appreciation and bring recognition to the talents and skills of the Filipinos in this part of the Kingdom.
Three (3) accredited Philippine schools in Jeddah participated in the Patimpalak sa Talumpati. Chloe Caceres from Bader International School (BIS) was declared as Champion in Talumpating Di Handa, while Francis Andrei Aluzan and Amanie Hadji Ibrahim, both from the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ), won the second and third places respectively. On the Talumpating Handa, Daphne Char de Guzman from the Durat Al Sharq International School got the Champion trophy while Romelle Kimberly Ameres of BIS got the 2nd place followed by Omar Aculan of IPSJ taking the 3rd place.
In the Photography exhibit and contest dubbed as “Straight Out of Camera”, headed by UNITE Photographers and Friends, Eduardo Benavidez with his photo “Freedom From Slavery” was adjudged the Grand Winner. Markus Alcantara bagged the second place and the most liked photo, while Arnel Lusitano got the 3rd place.
The venue remained packed well with attendees through the afternoon who enjoyed simultaneous activities and services for the public, including traditional Filipino games and mini concert.
Filipino excellence and talents were highlighted during the evening’s “Show Us Your Talent” contest. A friendly talent competition participated by 15 Filipino community groups and individuals, talented Filipinos showed their ability in singing, dancing, miming, song interpretation, drama, playing musical instruments, magic and monologue. Kingdomwide Recreational Sports Development Association (KRSDA) was declared as champion, while Magician David Young known as “Hocus Focus” and Caregivers Association in Jeddah got the 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
The whole day Filipino community event was a continuation of the commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. This was being held after Ramadhan in deference to the observance of the holy month. END.
PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDECE CELEBRATION HELD ON 31 AUGUST 2016, PCG PREMISES
HE Imelda M. Panolong, Consul General in Jeddah, delivers her inspirational messsage during the event
ConGen Imelda M. Panolong with Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, enjoying watching the program
Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague during the awarding of winners of Talent and Photography Contests
Photography exhibit and contest
Vice Consul Alexander Joseph Estomo led in the cutting of ribbon, assisted by Mr. Alex Domingo of Jeddah Photographers and Friends UNITE
Patimpalak ng Talumpating Handa at Hindi Handa
Medical Mission