The Philippine Embassy in the UK’s virtual celebration of the 123rd Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence on 11 June 2021 continues to be lauded for acknowledging and honouring the vital roles and the sacrifices of Filipino nurses and other health care workers and seafarers during the pandemic.
Among the numerous complimentary messages received by the Philippine Embassy in London are the following:
“Dear Ambassador Lagdameo, I congratulate you and all your team for your production of such a creative, stunning and memorable celebration. This online programme was a superb, highly professional mixture of serious reflection, deep emotion and beautiful choreography, making it the best National Day Celebration of any I can recall. All your messages were spot-on. The bow to the indispensable roles of the Philippine healthcare workers and seafarers was perfectly and sensitively delivered; the entertainment was richly representative of all the Philippine talent that gives such joy to those watching and listening and is contagious.” -- Former British Ambassador to the Philippines Paul Dimond
“On behalf of MT Phoenix Admiral Moltank Europe and all Filipino seafarers all over the world, we would like to thank the Philippine Embassy in the United Kingdom for the recognition of the sacrifices by our fellow seafarers despite the pandemic and making us part of this virtual celebration of the 123rd Anniversary of Philippine Independence. Happy Independence Day Philippines.” – Darwin Faj Balilla
“Congratulations to all the team! We were very impressed by the whole production. Happy Independence Day!” -- Brian McCrohan, ASEAN Desk Officer, Asia Pacific Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland
“Congratulations to Ambassador Lagdameo + team for a heartfelt celebration of 123rd Philippine Independence Day!!!” – Jose Orive, Executive Director, International Sugar Association
“It was very well-organised, putting together a joyful and informative programme. I enjoyed the whole event, and would like to offer my congratulations on your Independence Day, on behalf of CABI.” – Dr. Qiaoqiao Zhang, Director, Memberships, and Secretary to the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) Council
In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the UK Antonio M. Lagdameo recalled the sacrifices and struggles of our forefathers in pursuit of PH independence, and recognized the many heroes that emerged from the past year, such as healthcare workers and front liners, seafarers and other essential workers.
Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.’s Independence Day message shone the spotlight on the Philippines’ Indigenous Peoples. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)'s Minister of State for Asia Nigel Adams hailed the growing partnership between the PH and UK in his message, while also paying tribute to Filipino nurses and healthcare workers and their invaluable contributions to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
With the UK hosting more than 30,000 Filipino nurses and healthcare workers and Post being a Permanent Mission to the IMO, Post’s virtual commemoration also paid tribute to Filipino nurses and healthcare workers as well as Filipino seafarers who continue to risk their lives and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apart from the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by British-Filipina opera singer and soprano soloist Karlene Moreno-Hayworth and of the British National Anthem by Justine Afante, winner of the 4th season of The Voice Kids UK, the program also included a poetry reading by Romalyn Ante, a Filipina nurse-poet whose debut poetry collection, Antiemetic for Homesickness, is shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize 2021 Book of the Year; Justine Afante’s rendition of Isang Lahi; a kundiman medley by classical guitarist Jay Valdez; and a lively dance performance featuring London landmarks by the Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company.
The video of Post’s virtual celebration, which was produced by the Philippine Embassy in London, may be accessed via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9MBqFpCqX8.
