Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Prague
Posted by mom811 on Monday, June 16th, 2008
(written June 16, 2008)
Yesterday as usual we had our Sunday worship at the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague Church as I’ve always called it but which is officially the Church of our Lady Victorious, Karmelitska 9, Praha 1, Mala Strana.
This was a different Sunday however, for the 110th Philippine Independence Day (Kalayaan 2008) was being celebrated by the Philippine Embassy together with the Filipinos in Prague. The affair began from the Eucharistic Celebration which was sponsored by the Philippine Embassy, including the liturgical activities of the readings, responsorial psalm, and the offerings. In the Prayers of the Faithful, a special prayer was said for the country – God bless the Philippines!
Another difference was, this time Carey was with us, having arrived the evening before.
After the Holy Mass, there followed the garden reception at the Church grounds. The singing of the national anthems of both the Philippines and the Czech Republic formally opened the affair. Ambassador Carmelita R. Salas gave the welcome remarks, followed by a rendition of “Ang Bayan Ko” by the Philippine Choral Group.
“Salo-salo” buffet style of Filipino food and delicacies then began the merry-making beat of the day, to heighten during the program and games, ably handled by the eemcee and the games coordinator, with numbers such as the “who can bring me” contests (Philippine coins, bills, names of heroes, etc.)
Aha, I won! with my ready one-hundred-peso bill :). There were games not only for the adults but also for the children, notable of which were the “pabitin” and the “hitting the pot”. It was sure fun for all!
What I got for a prize was good souvenir, a bohemian crystalware. But a more memorable one was a pose with the kind and charming ambassador who was gracious enough to accommodate.
Thank You God for our independence, may You continue to bless our beloved country with freedom, peace, love, unity and prosperity!
Here are some photos:
the program and the games (in the “pabitin”, even the moms joined the fun! hehe)
part of the attendees at buffet time; and, tadaaaan! that’s the pose with the ambassador 
Filed in Europe, celebration, family, occasion, photos, thanks |
great ordinary happenings » Our “Virgen Sang Barangay” in Pragueon 04 Jul 2008 at 11:10 pm 1[...] and at that time we were part, were reminded of our hard-earned independence as we celebrated the Kalaayan 2008. For once, we paused and took time to pay respects and honor to our beloved heroes, the brave men [...]
herbieon 04 Sep 2008 at 5:39 pm 2Mabuhay! I am a Filipino living here in Poland. I, together with three companions will be visiting Prague on Sept. 8. We booked an apartment in Legarova St. We have a problem in looking for a safe parking space. Could anyone from the Filipino community members recommend a place? I’m sorry this comment is not related to the topic. My e-mail is bhingrcj@interia.pl. Hope to hear from you soon. thanks.