BARCELONA. 13 June 2022 – The Philippine Consulate in Barcelona celebrated the 124th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence with around 250 Filipinos and friends from across Catalonia. Aragon, Valencia, Balearic Islands and Principality of Andorra.
The program kicked off with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by second generation Filipino Andrea Rafanan followed by video messages from President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe J. Lhuiller. Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro gave an inspiring message of solidarity. “We want to focus on programs geared towards addressing the needs of the Filipino community, and we need your support and cooperation to achieve what we need to do to rise to the challenges facing our community,” said Lazaro.
Brief ecumenical prayers for unity were also given by leaders of major religious groups - Fr. Francis Frane, Minister Froiland C. Enriquez Jr., Bishop Felicisimo Cordero, and Mr. Marlon Española respectively represented the Catholic community, Iglesia ni Cristo, the Christian community and the Muslim community.
Leaders of big Filipino associations under the Consulate´s jurisdiction also gave their congratulatory messages. The leaders then showed their solidarity with the Consulate by taking part in a cake-cutting ceremony led by Consul General Lazaro. Third-generation Filipino Patricia Alcedo sang “Umagang Kay Ganda” while the cake was being cut.
Attendees became emotional when Filipino-Spanish Ms. May Jalocon sang “Bayan Ko.” The sentimental atmosphere later turned into a festive one with the community singing of “Mamang Sorbetero and “Pinoy Ako” which brought the house down as the community jammed, danced and lively sang together.
After the program, the guests were treated to a sumptuous Filipino breakfast with lechon.
The event provided an excellent opportunity for the members of the Filipino community under the Consulate´s jurisdiction to foster greater camaraderie and solidarity.
In the evening, the Consulate led the PID mass celebrated by Fr. Francis Frane at the Parroquia de San Agustin/ Parroquia de la Immaculada Concepcion y San Lorenzo Ruiz in Barcelona. During the mass, Santo Niño de Ternate, which was part of the Santo Niño Exhibit at the Consulate, was turnover to the Parroquia, which will be the Holy Statue´s home for one year.
Consul General Maria theresa S.M. Lazaro (3rd from right, first row) with the staff of Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona.
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro delivers her message during the ceremony to celebrate the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence at the public area of PCG on 12 June 2022.
Ecumenical prayers for unity by leaders of major religious groups:
Fr. Francis Frane, Minister Froiland C. Enriquez Jr., Bishop Felicisimo Cordero, and Mr. Marlon Española respectively represented the Catholic community, Iglesia ni Cristo, the Christian community and the Muslim community.
Cutting of cake led by Consul General Lazaro with the Filipino community leaders which symbolizes unity and solidarity.
More than two hundred fifty Filipinos and friends gathered for the occasion.
PCG family and the kids posed in front of the Bahay Kubo and Sorbetes cart designed by the creative talents of Filcom.
Filipino breakfast with lechon enjoyed by everyone