BARCELONA, 15 JUNE 2025 - The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona celebrated the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence in an event showcasing Filipino talents and Food, on 15 June 2025.

Filipinos and representatives from various Filipino community organizations in Barcelona and neighboring areas—including the Principality of Andorra—attended the celebration. Philippine Honorary Consul in Palma de Mallorca, Atty. Josep Maria Amengual Alemany, also graced the event.

Leading the occasion, Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa Santa Maria Lazaro acknowledged the contributions of overseas Filipinos to the country’s development and emphasized the importance of remembering the nation’s history, “Today, as we reflect on the heroism of our forebears, we are reminded of our duty to uphold the freedom and sovereignty they fought for.”

This year’s celebration, highlighting Filipino culture through a vibrant fiesta of flavors, was a joyful reflection of the Philippines’ rich heritage. The event showcased a variety of authentic Filipino dishes, offering a taste of home to the community and introducing Filipino cuisine to new guests. The lively atmosphere of music, dance, and delicious food captured the spirit and unity of the Filipino community in Barcelona, making this year’s Independence Day celebration truly special.

The celebration was further highlighted by the official launch of the “Consulado de Filipinas WhatsApp Community,” the latest communication platform of the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, designed to provide Filipinos with more direct and timely updates and easier access to consular information and services.

Capping the morning celebration, the Consulate served traditional Filipino brunch featuring dishes, such as lechon, adobo, pancit, and a variety of native desserts.

Philippine Consul General Maria Theresa Santa Maria Lazaro expresses gratitude to all Filipinos in Spain for their continued resilience, unity, and contributions to the Philippines' national progress. "The 127th Independence Day celebration was a meaningful opportunity for the Filipino community in Barcelona to come together in solidarity, remembering the sacrifices made for the nation’s freedom, and renewing their commitment to shaping a brighter future”.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous Filipino brunch that featured traditional dishes such as lechon, adobo, longganisa, and an array of Filipino desserts, allowing guests to savor the flavors of home while celebrating the nation’s history and culture. The event also provided a unique space for networking and fellowship among Filipinos joining from various areas of Spain.

A key highlight of the event is the launch of the Consulate’s new WhatsApp community, aimed at fostering a more direct and efficient communication channel between the Consulate and the Filipino community. This new initiative is part of the Consulate’s commitment to providing faster and more accessible services. With the WhatsApp community, the Consulate hopes to ensure that Filipinos in Spain are always informed and can easily receive from the Consulate advisories and emergency information, as well as updates and community events in a way that is "mas mabilis, mas direct, at mas convenient".

This year’s Independence Day celebration was a vivid reminder of the enduring spirit of the Filipino people, who, despite being far from their homeland, continue to uphold the values of freedom, pride, and resilience. It was not only a reflection of the past, but also a celebration of the present and future of the Filipino community in Barcelona.

The Officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, through this celebration, continues to deepen its mission of serving Filipinos abroad, ensuring that they are always connected, informed, and empowered.