Philippine Embassy personnel, led by Ambassador Christopher B. Montero (center), during the Flag Raising Ceremony on the occasion of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Bandar Seri Begawan, 13 June 2019 – The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam led by its new Ambassador, H.E. Christopher B. Montero, held a series of commemorative events marking the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
To kick off the celebrations, an Independence Day Thanksgiving Mass at the Church Our Lady of Assumption celebrated by Bishop Cornelius Sim, Vicar Apostolic of the Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam, was held on 09 June 2019. Bishop Sim congratulated the Philippines and the Filipino community on the occasion of the 121st Anniversary of Philippine Independence, and conveyed his best wishes for the country’s continued peace and prosperity. The Mass was attended by more than 400 members of the Filipino Community.
In the afternoon of the same day, the Philippine Embassy hosted an Independence Day Get-Together event at the Chancery attended by close to 300 members of the Filipino Community.
In his message, Ambassador Montero thanked the Filipino Community for sacrificing their Sunday and their Hari Raya feasts to join the celebrations. In line with this year’s theme, Kalayaan 2019: Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa Mamamayan, he called on the members of the Filipino Community to continue to strengthen their love for country, and serve as good and responsible members of society in the host country. “Kayo po ang tunay na mga Ambassadors ng Pilipinas sa bansang ito kung kaya’t lalo niyo pang pag-ibayuhin ang inyong likas na sipag at talino upang mas mai-angat ang magandang imahen nating mga Filipino sa bansang ito,” Ambassador Montero said.
During the event, Independence Day Messages of high officials of the Philippine government were shared with the FilCom. The program included a musical rendition of patriotic songs from the UST Alumni Association in Brunei Chorale.
While the guests enjoyed a merienda salu-salo buffet featuring Filipino delicacies, Ambassador Montero took the opportunity to meet and greet all the members of the Filipino Community present.
On 12 June 2019, Ambassador Montero, together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy held the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony at the Embassy grounds, following by simple breakfast get-together. END
Embassy personnel, led by Ambassador Christopher B. Montero and Mrs. Maria Lourdes B. Montero, during a group photo on the occasion of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence
H.E. Ambassador Christopher B. Montero delivers his remarks during the Independence Day Get-Together with the Filipino Community
UST Alumni Association Brunei Chorale singing patriotic songs during the event
