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Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: 30,000 Filipinos celebrate Philippine Independence with cultural show, food
More than 30,000 Filipino expats gathered on Saturday at Hall 2 of the Dubai World Trade Centre for a vibrant celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day. The all-day event, running from 8am until 10pm, transformed the venue into a dynamic showcase of cultural pride and community spirit. From energy to night, the energy never waned, with attendees coming and going throughout the day, all echoing the same sentiment: 'The energy never faded.' From the moment doors opened, the venue buzzed with excitement. Families, friends, and individuals from all walks of life arrived draped in the colors of the Philippine flag, ready to immerse themselves in an authentic cultural experience. Attendees were treated to a feast for the senses. Food stalls lined the halls, offering freshly made Filipino classics, from adobo and lechon to icy treats like halo-halo. Around the venue, interactive exhibits showcased Filipino art and photography, while gaming corners and a lively main stage provided non-stop entertainment. Traditional and contemporary performances by local artists, including folk dances and modern musical acts, captivated audiences throughout the day. 'This event always feels like going back home,' said Em Serrano, a Filipino expat who has lived in the UAE for 11 years. Having attended the celebration for the past seven years, she turned heads this year with a striking dress she designed herself. 'This outfit was inspired by UAE heritage,' she shared. 'The red and black tones reminded me of the colours often seen during Ramadan. I asked a friend to make this specially for today, it represents the strong bond between the UAE and the Philippines.' The celebration was also attended by high-ranking dignitaries and Filipino diplomats, including Hans Leo J. Cacdac, secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers. 'It's truly an honour to take part in this celebration of our Philippine Independence Day here in Dubai. It's heartwarming to see our kababayans, our fellow countrymen, celebrating this important day in a country that has welcomed and supported our people so warmly. The UAE has been good to us, and events like this show how deep our friendship runs," Cacdac expressed to the crowd. Rashed Al Tamimi, director of Emirates Loves, also praised the Filipino community and reflected on the broader cultural message of the celebration: 'This celebration marks the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence, and we are proud to host this event. The Filipino community is a vital and vibrant part of the UAE. Their culture, joy, and unity bring light to our society. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum says, 'Tolerance is not just a slogan we raise, but a way of life we live.' And today, we live that value.' Historic friendship Beyond the festivities, the event stood as a testament to the enduring UAE-Philippines friendship. With diplomatic ties officially established in 1974, the bond between the two nations has continued to grow, anchored by shared values and mutual respect. With hundreds of thousands of Filipinos contributing to vital sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, and retail, their role in the UAE's development is both significant and deeply appreciated. The celebration is homage to the June 12, 1898 declaration of Philippine independence after 333 years of Spanish rule. For many, the gathering was more than a national commemoration — it was a heartfelt reminder of identity, pride, and belonging, thousands of miles away from home. As the festivities came to a close, with music echoing through the halls and Philippine flags waving high, one message stood out clearly: the Filipino spirit is not just present in the UAE — it is thriving.
Times of Oman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
PM Modi highlights entrepreneurial spirit of Northeast, mentions 'crafted fibres'
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the vibrant cultural and entrepreneurial spirit of India's Northeastern states. In his 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi mentioned the recently concluded Rising North East Summit 2025 and praised the Northeast's initiatives that blend tradition with modern innovation. Prime Minister Modi highlighted Crafted Fibres, a unique fashion brand from Sikkim founded by veterinary doctor-turned-entrepreneur Dr Chewang Norbu Bhutia. Crafted Fibres stands as an example of self-reliance and cultural pride of the Northern states. In his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Just a couple of days ago, I went to the first Rising North East Summit. Before that, we also celebrated the 'Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav' dedicated to the strength of the Northeast. The North East is something extraordinary; its strength, its talent, is really amazing. I have come to know an interesting story about crafted fibres. Crafted fibres is not just a brand; it is a beautiful confluence of Sikkim's tradition, the art of weaving, and the sense of fashion today." "It was started by Dr Chewang Norbu Bhutia, a Veterinary Doctor by profession. He thought, "Why not give a new dimension to weaving?" And this thought gave birth to Crafted Fibres. He doesn't just make clothes; he weaves lives. He provides skill training to local people, making them self-reliant," PM Modi said. Held under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and led by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the two-day summit brought together investors from across the globe, reaffirming that the Northeast is not just a region but a strategic growth corridor for Viksit Bharat. The Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 concluded with attracting investment commitments of Rs 4.3 lakh crore, according to an official statement. Several landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were signed with major national and international investors across key sectors. During the summit, the Sikkim government signed an MoU with SM Hotels and Resorts with an investment intent of Rs 250-300 crore. The Arunachal Pradesh government also signed an MoU of Rs 150 crore with the Farm Native Group. The Meghalaya government signed a Rs 4,000 crore MoU with Agri-Bio Fuels Global Ltd. The Meghalaya government and Inlambi Pvt Ltd signed an MoU for Rs 1,000 crore. The Manipur government also signed a major MoU of Rs 1,000 crore with Inlambi Pvt Ltd. The Tripura government signed a Rs 500 crore MoU with the Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir Trust for Sri Sri University and an Ayurveda College and Hospital. Beyond the marquee MoUs, the summit recorded a total of 803 investment intents through roadshows, B2G meetings, and PSU/public-private proposals. Roadshows held across states contributed Rs 99,533 crore in interest; PSUs brought in Rs 1.27 lakh crore; industrial houses pledged Rs 1.58 lakh crore; and B2G meetings during the summit itself resulted in over Rs 18,600 crore worth of commitments, as per the release.
UAE Moments
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Inside LA's Historic Filipinotown: Culture, Food & Legacy
Early Roots: From the Galleon Trade to Little Manila Filipino presence in California dates back to 1587, when Filipino sailors, known as "Luzonians," arrived in Morro Bay aboard Spanish galleons. By the early 20th century, Los Angeles became a hub for Filipino immigrants, particularly in areas like Little Tokyo and Bunker Hill, which were collectively known as "Little Manila." These neighborhoods provided a sense of community and solidarity for Filipino laborers facing racial discrimination and economic hardship. In 1925, Hilario Moncado founded the Filipino Federation of America in Los Angeles, aiming to unite the Filipino diaspora and advocate for their rights. The organization played a significant role in organizing events like Rizal Day celebrations, fostering Filipino nationalism and cultural pride. Historic Filipinotown: A Cultural Landmark Established in 2002, Historic Filipinotown (HiFi) is located between the neighborhoods of Westlake and Echo Park. It serves as a cultural and historical landmark, honoring the contributions of Filipino Americans to Los Angeles. Key landmarks in HiFi include: Talang Gabay: Our Guiding Star : An ornate gateway arch designed by artist Eliseo Silva, featuring mythological figures and QR codes providing historical information. Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana : The largest Filipino-American mural in the U.S., located in Unidad Park, depicting over 4,000 years of Filipino history. Filipino American WWII Veterans Memorial: A monument in Lake Street Park honoring the 250,000 Filipino and 7,000 Filipino-American soldiers who served during World War II. Despite demographic shifts, HiFi remains a vital center for Filipino culture, with organizations like the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) and the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) providing community services and cultural programming. Cultural Celebrations and Community Events Los Angeles hosts numerous events celebrating Filipino heritage: Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) : Established in 1990, FPAC is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California, featuring music, dance, visual arts, and culinary experiences. Fil-Am Fiesta : Organized by the LA County Library, this event includes history and language workshops, crafts, games, and music, centered on Filipino values. Long Beach Filipino Festival: Celebrates Filipino arts and culture in the city of Long Beach, showcasing traditional performances and cuisine. These events not only celebrate Filipino culture but also serve as platforms for community engagement and education. Culinary Influence: A Taste of the Philippines Filipino cuisine has gained popularity in Los Angeles, with establishments offering traditional and innovative dishes: HiFi Kitchen : Located in Historic Filipinotown, it offers traditional and vegan Filipino dishes, blending heritage with local flavors. Dollar Hits : Known for its authentic Filipino street food, providing a taste of Manila in LA. The Park's Finest BBQ: Combines American barbecue techniques with Filipino flavors, reflecting the fusion of cultures. These culinary spots not only satisfy cravings but also serve as cultural ambassadors, introducing Filipino flavors to a broader audience. Education and Advocacy Organizations like Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and the Filipino American Library (FAL) play crucial roles in community development and cultural preservation. They offer programs ranging from youth mentorship to historical archiving, ensuring that Filipino heritage remains vibrant and accessible. The Filipino American community in Los Angeles is a testament to resilience, cultural richness, and community spirit. From historical landmarks to vibrant festivals and culinary delights, the community continues to thrive and contribute significantly to the city's diverse tapestry. Read More: 10 Filipino Dishes You Need to Try For those interested in exploring Filipino culture, Historic Filipinotown offers a unique and enriching experience, reflecting the enduring legacy and dynamic future of Filipino Americans in Los Angeles.
