Latest news with #Kalayaan2025
Filipino Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Thousands of Filipinos in Italy gather for Sandiwa Filitalia and Kalayaan 2025 celebration
The Filipino community in Italy gathered at Milan's Piazza Sempione to celebrate Sandiwa Filitalia, the main event of Kalayaan 2025, marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence and 78 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy. Led by the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Consul General Elmer G. Cato, and the Kalayaan 2025 Organizing Committee of the Bayanihan Council of Northern Italy, the month-long celebration brought together thousands of Filipinos at the historical Arco della Pace, featuring traditional folk dances, kundiman songs, and modern dance performances. In his speech, Consul General Cato highlighted the values of unity and bayanihan, emphasizing how these two pillars continue to guide the Filipino diaspora in Northern Italy. Food stalls also offered popular Filipino treats like halo-halo and kakanin, while families enjoyed cultural booths and exhibits showcasing Filipino traditions. Earlier on May 13, the third edition of the Kalayaan Run and Palarong Pambata kicked off, organized by Pinoy Runners Milan. Held at Parco Nord, hundreds participated in the 5K and 2.5K fun runs, while children eagerly joined traditional Filipino games. A different flavor of home was brought to Milan on June 12, as the Consulate hosted 'Mekeni, Mangan Tamu: A Taste of Pampanga,' turning the Kalayaan Hall into a culinary showcase. Two of Pampanga's finest chefs, Manuela Cherry Tan and Leonard Vincent Garcia, delighted guests with iconic Kapampangan dishes such as sisig, arobu, kare-kare, and nasing marangle, honoring Angeles City's nomination as Asia's Best Culinary City Destination at the 2025 World Culinary Awards. The celebration also featured Hiyas ng Kalayaan Ball at Palazzo Barozzi, a fashion show of traditional and modern Filipino clothing. The Sandiwa FilItalia was capped by a moving musical performance from Filipino singer Armand Curameng, whose renditions of Italian and classic OPM stirred emotions and memories of home. (Alona Cochon)
Qatar Tribune
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Filipina celebrity Bella Padilla headlines ‘Kalayaan 2025' celebrations
Darlene Regis Filipino pride shone brightly in Qatar as Kapamilya star, writer, and director Bella Padilla joined the Filipino community for the Kalayaan 2025 'Family Day' celebrations, marking the 127th Philippine Independence Day. Held from June 5 to 6, the two-day event, hosted by SGE Events in collaboration with Cuecastt, was filled with cultural pride and a renewed sense of unity among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Qatar. Bella, one of the Philippines' most admired multi-hyphenates, brought star power and inspiration to the event. Known for her breakout roles in critically acclaimed films like '100 Tula Para Kay Stella' and 'Meet Me in St. Gallen,' Bella has also earned praise for her work behind the scenes, including her screenwriting debut with the blockbuster 'Last Night.' Her visit kicked off on June 5, with a live radio interview on Qabayan Radio 94.3, where she spoke about her love for Filipino culture and excitement to celebrate Independence Day with Filipinos in Qatar. Later that evening, Bella attended a press conference with SGE Co-Founder RJ Francis and Marketing Director Kristine Chee, where they faced local media and community leaders at Maharlika Park Restaurant. When asked by Qatar Tribune about her involvement in the Kalayaan celebration, she answered, 'This isn't my first Kapamilya Kalayaan Karavan, I've been to Norway, Paris, and Dubai. I especially love going to TFC shows during Independence Day celebrations because it holds a different meaning for us, especially for OFWs. It makes us all Filipinos feel a strong sense of pride and connection.' Bella also shared that her heart is close to OFWs, having portrayed the role of an OFW in Dubai in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), which highlighted the sacrifices and challenges faced by Filipinos working abroad. The celebration culminated on June 6, as Bella headlined the The Filipino Channel (TFC) Hour at Regency Hall, where she joined thousands of attendees in honoring Filipino heritage through music, dance, games, and cultural presentations. The vibrant lineup of activities included the Inter-Town Basketball Opening & Parade, cultural and musical performances, PID Teen Idol Grand Finals, PID Hataw Grand Finals, PID Motorshow, TBO Awards and Recognition, and the TFC Kapamilya Kalayaan Karavan. The event also featured exciting raffles, fun surprises, and activities for all ages.
Gulf Today
02-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE a leading model for protecting workers' rights, says senior Philippine official
Hans Leo Cacdac, Undersecretary for Welfare and Foreign Employment at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines, has praised the UAE as a leading model for protecting and caring for workers' rights. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the "Kalayaan 2025" Philippine independence celebration in Dubai, Cacdac commended the UAE's efforts in ensuring worker dignity and well-being. He highlighted the strength of bilateral relations, particularly in migrant worker protection, and expressed optimism for enhanced partnerships. Cacdac affirmed the strong ties between the two nations, noting the DMW's commitment to strengthening cooperation for the benefit of Filipino workers in the UAE. He extended gratitude for the UAE's continuous support, emphasising the importance of ongoing dialogue to improve migrant worker conditions. The grand celebration was attended by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in Dubai on Sunday. WAM
Filipino Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
V Perfumes celebrates Filipino spirit at Kalayaan 2025 in Dubai
The scent of celebration filled the air as V Perfumes, the largest perfume retailer in the GCC, proudly took part in Kalayaan 2025, the grand Philippine Independence Day celebration held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Thousands of Filipinos from all over the UAE gathered to mark this important occasion, and V Perfumes was right at the heart of the festivities, adding a signature touch of elegance and fragrance to the event. From early morning until sundown, the V Perfumes booth became one of the most visited spots at the venue. Filipino families, groups of friends, and fragrance enthusiasts eagerly lined up to explore the brand's best-selling scents. Well-loved for its blend of luxury and affordability, V Perfumes gave attendees the chance to sample a wide range of high-quality perfumes and enjoy exclusive, event-only deals. As a special treat for the Filipino community, AED 50 vouchers were distributed, redeemable on selected items at the V Perfumes shops near you until July 31. To make the experience even more rewarding, attendees were also able to purchase perfumes on-site, allowing them to bring home their favorite scents right away. V Perfumes, with over 50 perfume stores across the GCC, remains committed to supporting diverse communities through active participation in cultural events and providing accessible luxury that speaks to every identity. The brand thanks everyone who visited the booth and shared in the celebration.
Filipino Times
02-06-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
Kings Medical Center brings smiles and wellness to Kalayaan 2025
Health and beauty met celebration at Kalayaan 2025 as Kings Medical Center proudly joined the Philippine Independence Day festivities held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Known for their commitment to affordable and quality healthcare, Kings Medical Center brought a booth full of energy, exclusive promos, and health-focused fun for the Filipino community in the UAE. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed mini games and exciting activities, with many walking away with 25% discount vouchers for dental and dermatology services. Guests also had access to free dental consultations, as well as sugar and cholesterol tests, made possible by the presence of a licensed doctor and nurse from the clinic, making it more than just a celebration, but a day of wellness and care. To top it off, Kings Medical Centre also launched their Eid Al-Adha special promotions, redeemable from June 6 to 8, in time for the long holiday. With offers designed to help guests look their best and feel even better, many took interest in the wide range of beauty and wellness deals available. These included buy-one-get-one-free laser hair removal, 50% off on popular beauty therapies such as microblading, microshading, and BB glow, and a special derma package offering three treatments for only AED 599. The booth became a go-to spot for kababayans wanting to prioritize their health and glow-up goals—all while enjoying the festive spirit of Kalayaan. By joining this year's celebration, Kings Medical Center showed its continued support for the Filipino community in the UAE, offering not just promos, but real care and connection. The team extends a warm thank you to everyone who dropped by the booth and looks forward to welcoming more familiar faces to their clinic with open arms and expert care.
