Conventional Filipino food stuff, online games mark anniversary

Lyna Mohamad

Over 500 people today participated in the Pistang Pinoy (Philippine Fiesta) as the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam and the Filipino local community in the region celebrated the 123^rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the embassy grounds in the Diplomatic Enclave in Jalan Kebangsaan yesterday.

A flag hoisting ceremony led by Philippine Ambassador Christopher B Montero initiated the colourful function followed by the reading of Independence Day messages from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and other superior-rating officials of the Philippine govt.

Ambassador Montero praised the remarkable way Brunei has managed the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising that the great circumstance in the Sultanate is the primary variable that enabled a physical celebration of the celebration this 12 months.

He said the celebration, featuring Filipino traditions these as foods, tunes and dances allows carry a style of their home state with vacation limits in pressure because of to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ambassador also highlighted the solid bilateral relations between Brunei and the Philippines.

He stated, “The bilateral relations carry on to be enhanced with renewed cooperation. We are grateful for Brunei armed service contingent sent to assist the peace procedure in Mindanao, inspite of the pandemic.

“We are grateful to the Govt of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the generosity in getting care of the Filipinos in the place and hope will go on in the potential.”

The fiesta showcased festive tunes and exciting Palarong Pinoy games this sort of as pabitin and basagang palayok, as well as a culinary booth fair by 17 Filipino community organisations.

A prize presentation and cultural performances by the Filipino group had been also held.