The third batch of Philippine Independence Day celebration held yesterday at Beurshalle in Brugge was a great success. COFAF, Council of Filipino Associations in Flanders President Minabelle Siazon endorsed to Vice-Consul Ralph Vincent Abarquez of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels the donation for classroom project in Talairon Central Elementary School in Oroquieta City, Philippines. Martial Arts Group Satori Kwai also gave an extended donation for last year’s Super typhoon Haiyan victims in Tacloban City. Filipiniana and variety shows followed after the parade of colors headed by the Knights of Rizal Diamond Chapter and Philippine embassy officials and staff. Highlight of the event was the livestreaming in the big hall to watch the football match between Rode Duivels (Red Devils) of Belgium and Russia. Belgium defeated Russia scoring 1-0.

Ambassador Victoria Bataclan will soon be heard LIVE from Brussels to personally give updates of the activities and assistance her office is extending to the Filipino communities in the Benelux region (Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg). Schedule of broadcast will be announced later.

Hello world portion: Greetings to Ms. Leylani Zotomayor-Digay and family of Pakil, Laguna; Nanay Lourdes Mejia, Danny and Myrna of Bulacan City, Philippines and UE Caloocan High School Batch ’78. Congratulations to Mr. Emil Yap for a successful solo exhibit of his paintings with a theme “Ginoo” (Sir) held at Bahay Nakpil-Bautista in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines.

Wishing you all a fruitful and happy week ahead of us. Take care everyone.