Latest news with #PhilippineIndependence
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Nahyan attends anniversary celebration of ‘Kalayaan 2025'
Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended a major celebration marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence 'Kalayaan 2025.' The event, hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre and organised by the 'Emirates Loves Philippines' platform in collaboration with Dubai Police, brought together over 40,000 members of the Filipino community in the UAE, along with government officials, diplomats, and social and economic figures from the community. In his opening speech, Sheikh Nahyan congratulated the Filipino community on this important national day, and said: 'I am delighted to be with you this evening to celebrate the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.' 'On behalf of the people of the United Arab Emirates, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and warmest greetings to the people of the Philippines here and around the world. This day marks not only your independence, but your enduring spirit of resilience, community, and optimism. It is a day of pride, and one you have every reason to celebrate,' the Minister said. He added that the UAE is pleased to call the Philippines a close friend and valued partner. Across this nation, and across the decades, hundreds of thousands of Filipino people have made their mark. Your knowledge, skills, creativity, and compassion have enriched many sectors of our society – from healthcare and education to hospitality, finance, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Sheikh Nahyan emphasised that although our two countries may be separated by geography, we are united by shared values: openness, optimism, mutual respect, and a belief in the dignity of every individual. He noted that the UAE's success story is a shared story. 'We are a global crossroads. A place where more than 200 nationalities live and work side by side. A place where peace and prosperity are made possible by welcoming people from every walk of life.' He affirmed that under the visionary leadership of His Highness the President, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and of all of our national leaders, the country has embraced human fraternity, coexistence, compassion, and achievement as national pillars. 'This celebration today,' the Minister stated, 'is a reflection of that vision. It is a reflection of how the UAE honours every culture and every heritage that we host in our country, as well as the role that each community plays in building this great nation.' He went on to say, 'In that spirit of inclusion, unity, and celebration, I would like to share with you a new national initiative that is very close to my heart.' Announcing the initiative, Sheikh Nahyan said that as Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and in partnership with Sandooq Al Watan, a writing competition titled 'What the UAE Means to Me' has been launched. He clarified that this initiative, aligned with the Year of Community, is a call to every resident – young and old, citizens and expatriates, professionals and students – to share their story and their voice. 'This competition,' he explained, 'invites participants to reflect on what the UAE has meant to them. Submissions can be a short story, a poem, a letter, an essay, or another creative expression, and written in either Arabic or English.' He expressed confidence that many of the most moving and powerful entries will come from the Filipino community – from those who arrived with a dream and built a future, from mothers and fathers raising families, from nurses and teachers, from innovators and caregivers, and from artists and engineers. 'Your stories matter,' the Minister emphasised, 'and the rest of us would love to hear from you.' He urged everyone to visit the website and submit their entries. He called on the audience, saying, 'Please encourage your families, your children, your co-workers, and your neighbours. Invite them to put into words their experience of life in the UAE. Let your stories inspire others, and let your words help express what makes our country so uniquely united in diversity.'
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Philippine Independence Day celebration: Highlights at Kalayaan 2025 in Dubai
Thousands of Filipinos from across the UAE gathered at the Dubai World Trade Centre to mark the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence through Kalayaan 2025. Held on June 1, the annual celebration brought together community groups and leaders, cultural performers, public officials, and Filipino residents for a meaningful day of reflection, recognition, and unity. From inspiring messages and cultural showcases, Kalayaan 2025 served as a reminder of the strong Filipino presence and spirit abroad. Here are some of the key highlights from this year's celebration: Star-studded performances Flying in from the Philippines, celebrities Kai Montinola and Jarren Garcia of PBB Gen 11, actress Julia Barretto, and singer MJ Cayabyab joined the celebration to perform for overseas Filipinos. They delivered a variety of performances, including singing and dance numbers, that captivated the audience throughout the event. Kai Montinola and Jarren Garcia Julia Barretto MJ Cayabyab Parade of Filipino organizations Filipino schools, cultural groups, businesses, and community organizations joined a colorful parade that filled the venue with music, cheers, and pride. Many participants wore traditional outfits such as the Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana, embodying the rich .. of the occassion. Cultural and modern performances The event featured a range of performances—from folk dances to pop numbers, showcasing the blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes today's Filipino identity. Booths and exhibits Visitors explored booths offering Filipino food, art, products, and community services. Small businesses, local initiatives, and cultural craftsmanship, were also highlighted, giving attendees a chance to reconnect with familiar tastes and talents. PH and UAE leaders gracing Kalayaan 2025 During Kalayaan 2025, dignitaries from both the Philippines and the UAE delivered heartfelt messages celebrating the strength, resilience, and contributions of the Filipino community in the UAE. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac expressed appreciation for the host country, saying, 'We have nothing but overflowing gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for giving our people a home—a meaningful home. A place where they can walk the walk of friendship, of productivity, of harmony. Where they can sing songs not just of Filipino culture, but also of Philippines-UAE friendship.' His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, highlighted the strong ties between both nations, stating, 'This day marks not only your independence, but your enduring spirit of resilience, community, and optimism. It's a day of pride and when you have every reason to celebrate, we at the UAE are pleased to call the Philippines a close friend and valued partner across this nation, across the decades.' Hon. Marford Angeles, Consul General in Dubai Mr. Arvic Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi Hon. Marford Angeles, Consul General in Dubai, and Mr. Arvic Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, also recognized the large Filipino population in the UAE.
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Celebration to mark Philippine independence anniversary on June 1
To mark the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence and UAE-Filipino friendship, a cultural celebration will be organised at Dubai World Trade Centre on June 1. The day-long cultural festival, hosted by 'Emirates Loves the Philippines', will take place from 8am to 10pm. Over 30,000 attendees from across the Filipino community in the UAE. Emirati dignitaries, Filipino diplomats, business leaders, and well-known social figures are also expected to join the celebration. Organised in collaboration with Dubai Police, the event aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines through traditional music and dance performances, folk competitions, art displays, and interactive exhibits. Special entertainment areas for children and food stalls serving iconic Filipino dishes will further enhance the family-friendly experience. The UAE is home to hundreds of thousands of Filipino residents, many of whom play vital roles in key sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, retail, and tourism. The UAE and the Philippines share a long-standing friendship, even before establishing official diplomatic ties in August 1974. These relations were further strengthened with the opening of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1980 and the UAE Embassy in Manila in 1989, paving the way for deeper and more fruitful cooperation across various fields. Dubai
Filipino Times
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Over 25,000 expected to join Kalayaan 2025 celebration in Dubai
Kalayaan 2025 is set to welcome more than 25,000 guests in a full-day celebration of Philippine Independence on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will run from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Halls 1 and 2. Organized by Emirates Loves Philippines, Infinite Communities, and The Filipino Channel (TFC), this celebration is one of the biggest gatherings of Filipinos in the UAE. It aims to showcase Filipino culture, unity, and resilience through various performances and activities. 'This year… we aim to shine a light on the people, stories, and shared values that connect us all,' said a spokesperson for Emirates Loves Philippines. The group has over 1 million Filipino followers and is joining Kalayaan for the fourth time. 'Kalayaan 2025 is not merely a commemoration—it is a dynamic expression of the Filipino spirit. It underscores our cultural pride, our enduring contributions, and our integral role in the diverse social fabric of the UAE,' said His Excellency Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. 'This year, as we mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, Kalayaan takes on a deeper meaning. It coincides with the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's proclamation of 2025 as the 'Year of Community'—an initiative that calls for unity, inclusivity, and collective identity. Events like this perfectly embody the shared values that have strengthened our bilateral ties over the decades.' The program will feature live music, cultural shows, food booths, and a marketplace where small businesses and creators can showcase their work. According to the Honorable Marford Angeles, Philippine Consul General of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, 'Kalayaan 2025 is a remarkable opportunity to honour the contributions of overseas Filipinos and to strengthen bonds among our kababayans across the UAE. Each year, this event continues to grow—uniting thousands in a celebration of identity, history, and shared aspirations.' Elena C. Cruz, Founder & CEO of Infinite Communities, added, 'Bringing Kalayaan to life each year is both a responsibility and a joy. This event aligns perfectly with the very heart of our organisation's identity: By the Community, For the Community.' Josie Conlu, Community Director of Infinite Communities, said, 'Kalayaan has evolved into one of the world's premier Filipino community celebrations, and it is a privilege to contribute to its continued growth on the global stage.' As the Filipino global network continues to expand, The Filipino Channel (TFC) recognises the value of such events in building meaningful connections. 'Kalayaan is a living celebration of our shared stories,' said Audielyn Avencilla-Riola, The Filipino Channel's Marketing Head for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. TFC artists who will grace the event are Jarren Garcia and Kai Montinola of Pinoy Big Brother Generation 11.
