The 116th Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Belgium will start tomorrow,  Saturday, 14 June at Brugge Beurshalle from 11 am to 11 pm. This will be headed by Mrs.  Consorcia De Leon-Shultz, Founder and Chairman of World Mission for Peace and  Development. Attendees will enjoy the presentation of our Filipino culture and traditions  through music and dances. Young ones can join and win prizes in the children talent show  portion. It will be highlighted by the selection and crowning of the Binibining Pilipinas  Kalayaan 2014. Filipina ladies are chosen to become the symbol of the event. Other titles will be awarded to other candidates. The selection of the Binibining Pilipinas is in line with the World Mission for Peace and Development humanitarian objectives and to help beneficiaries in the Philippines. Ms. De Leon-Shultz personally manage the building of schools in the Bicol region and Palo, Leyte, one of the most devastated area during the Super Typhoon Haiyan. The fun continous with an open disco after the coronation. One of the judges is my very special friend Miss Sonnie Evangelista from Roeselare.

The next group will be held on Sunday, 15 June at the Basilique de Koekelberg/Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels hosted by the Ladies for Rizal/Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. Brussels Chapter headed by President Celanie Francisco and Adviser Lady Nina Fernandez assisted by the Knights of Rizal Brussels Chapter. The day will start with a mass at the Basilique, followed by the traditional parade of the different Filipino groups in Belgium then a lunch with a theme “Baon Mo, Baon Ko – Salu-salo Tayo”.  At 2 pm, the Independence message will be delivered by Her Excellency Ambassador Victoria Bataclan followed by cultural presentations and surprise numbers both from our kababayans and foreign friends. The concluding remarks will be given by Sir Lino Paras, President of KPSK, Koalisyon Para Sa Kalayaan. Ka Lino known as the father of the Filipinos in Belgium, reminds his kababayans at all times to work hand in hand for the sake of peace and unity among the community members.

From Brussels, we will return to Brugge on 22 June for the next celebration hosted this time by Ms. Minabelle Siason of Council of Filipino Associations in Flanders and Ms. Divina Mariano of Kultura Maharlika. The day will start at 10:30 am with a  Catholic mass in English, Dutch and Tagalog followed by a native lunch that you can get from numerous food stalls. At 2 pm, parade of Filipino culture will begin, a variety show, a zumba and the most awaited speech of Her Excellency Ambassador Victoria Bataclan. I hope, just like last year, the lovely Ambassador will render again her native song before her excited audience. Everyone is later invited to join the afternoon dancing and singing headed by Ms. Ruth Galura, a Filipina singer based in The Netherlands.

The 116th Independence Day celebrations in Belgium are fully supported by the Philippine Embassy in Brussels and the Filipino Communities in Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg.

I wish you all a happy and fruitful weekend. Take care everyone…I love you always!