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Filipino Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Filipino cultural dances take center stage at Araw ng Kasarinlan celebration in Abu Dhabi
The spirit of the Philippines came alive through cultural dances, captivating performances, and remarkable Filipino talent during the celebration of Araw ng Kasarinlan held in Abu Dhabi. Hosted by the Bayanihan Council Abu Dhabi on June 21, the event showcased the rich traditions, artistry, and creativity of Filipinos, bringing together performers of all ages, including schools and various community groups, to celebrate their heritage with pride and passion. Throughout the program, audiences were treated to an array of traditional dances such as the Singkil and Silong sa Ganding performed by Flair Ideal-Paced Academe (FIPA Schools). The OFW Global Movement for Empowerment UAE also delighted the public with the lively Itik Itik dance, while the Abu Dhabi Filipino Dance Club (ADFDC) and The Global Filipino Community & Associates (TGFCA) presented other engaging traditional performances. The Philippine Emirates Private School (PEPS) brought the graceful Tinikling to the stage, complemented by cultural presentations from the Institutional Center for Excellence (ICE), Universal Philippine School (UPS Al Ain), The Philippine School (TPS), and Samahan Ng Mga OFW Sa UAE (SOUAE). In an interview, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver emphasized the importance of such cultural celebrations abroad. 'It also goes to show na we are free here, very open, we can celebrate freely, we can also share to our Emirati brothers and sisters our culture, our heritage, our creativity,' the Ambassador said. He also noted the crucial role of parents and schools in passing down Filipino culture to younger generations, especially those born or raised in the UAE. '[The] very young, the second, third generation children growing up, learning our dances, our songs, they're getting an attachment. Mga iba, pinangalaki na dito, pinanganak na dito, baka hindi na nila alam,' he said. 'I'm glad yung mga parents nila sa mga Philippine schools who participated, they are inculcating in this new generation of Filipinos, our culture, our art, and our love for our country, love for fiesta, food, everything, and we all come together. It unifies us.'
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Filipino community joins celebration of Araw ng Kasarinlan in Abu Dhabi
The Bayanihan Council brought the theme 'Kalayaan 2025: A Festival of Philippine Culture' to life as overseas Filipinos gathered to celebrate the 127th Philippine Independence Day through music, art, parades, and community in Abu Dhabi. The festivities, held June 21 at Al Jaheli Theatre, Erth Hotel, turned the venue into a vibrant showcase of Filipino heritage, creativity, and unity. Kicking off with a lively Community Parade, participants in elegant barong and Filipiniana attire reminded everyone of the rich customs that mark Filipino celebrations. His Excellency Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, together with officials from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, joined the community in commemorating the historic day. In his message, he recognized contributions of Filipinos in the UAE, especially their relationship with the Emiratis, that continues to strengthen the friendship between the two countries. 'As we celebrate the Year of Community this year, we take immense pride in the integral role and contributions of Filipinos in the progress of this country as a vital component of its social and cultural fabric, the strong people-to-people ties,' the Ambassador said. 'People-to-people ties between Filipinos and Emiratis have always been the cornerstone of our ever-growing partnership.' Onstage, cultural performances by talented students and youth groups from various Filipino schools filled the theatre with modern and folk dances, while local singers serenades the audience with heartfelt renditions of OPM favorites, earning rounds of applause from fellow kababayans. Inside the venue, an Art Exhibit displayed works by Filipino artists in the UAE, each piece echoing stories of freedom, identity, and resilience. Meanwhile, the Kalayaan Market and booths offered traditional Filipino snacks, crafts, and services to the community. Organized by the Bayanihan Council, the celebration brought together families, professionals, and community groups from diverse sectors—proving that no matter the distance, the Filipino spirit remains strong.
Filipino Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Essenzi Perfumes celebrates Philippine Independence Day with affordable luxury scents
The 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration by the Filipino Social Club at the World Trade Centre was a success, with various booths showcasing Filipino culture and products. One of the highlights was the Essenzi perfumes booth, which offered a wide range of luxury perfumes at affordable prices. Visitors to the booth were treated to a 50% discount voucher that can be redeemed at Essenzi's branches throughout Dubai. Essenzi Perfumes gave 50% discount vouchers to attendees of the event. The perfumes on offer included famous brands such as Calvin Klein and Hugo, priced between 70-100 dirhams. Essenzi Perfumes offered famous perfume brands, such as Calvin Klein and Hugo, at affordable prices. The booth had attendees flocking to try out the perfume testers. Essenzi's presence at the event was a great opportunity for Filipinos in Dubai to experience luxury perfumes at an affordable price. Some of the key dignitaries from the Philippine Embassy in the UAE also visited Essenzi Perfumes' booth, including H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. High-ranking Filipino officials, including H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, visited Essenzi Perfumes' booth at the 127th Philippine Independence Day. Essenzi has several branches in Dubai, including Burjuman, Al Ghurair, Dubai Outlet Mall, Silicon Centre Mall, Sahara Centre, and Al Wahda Mall. They also have a branch in Al Ain's Bawadi Mall.
Filipino Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi celebrates Independence Day with flag-raising, community fiesta
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi marked the country's 127th Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony and a community Fiesta. Led by H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, the event brought together Filipinos from various schools, community groups, and organizations. Guests enjoyed traditional Filipino street food like taho (sweet tofu snack), sorbetes (Filipino ice cream), and other local favorites, aiming to highlight Filipino culture and unity abroad. In his Independence Day message, Ambassador Ver emphasized the importance of reflecting on the theme 'Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan' (Freedom, Future, History), honoring the sacrifices of Filipino heroes, celebrating the country's hard-earned freedoms, and recognizing the collective duty to build a better future. 'This year's celebration is particularly significant as we highlight the growing and strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates,' the ambassador said. 'Anchored in mutual respect and reinforced by the presence of nearly a million Filipinos in the UAE, our bilateral relations have expanded into a forward-looking cooperation and collaboration in new and previously untapped fields,' he added. He emphasized the growing relationship between the two nations, strengthened by the official visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the UAE in November 2024, and the several agreements signed to boost cooperation in trade, energy, culture, digital innovation, environment, public safety, and government services. Ambassador Ver also noted the UAE's strength in digital technologies and how this matches the Philippines' goals for growth. He lauded OFWs, especially those working in IT, engineering, and creative industries, as well as entrepreneurs, for contributing to the UAE's progress and carrying the Filipino spirit of excellence. 'This year, the UAE celebrates the Year of Community. We take great pride in the integral role that the Filipino community plays in this country's success and in enriching the UAE's social and economic fabric,' Ambassador Ver said. 'As we look toward the future, let us celebrate not only the freedom we cherish, but also the strong and evolving partnership we share with the UAE — a relationship that continues to grow in breadth, depth, innovation, shared purpose, and mutual benefit,' he added.
Filipino Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
City Centre Deira honors 127th Philippine Independence Day with grand celebration
City Centre Deira proudly joined the Filipino community in commemorating the 127th Philippine Independence Day with a grand celebration. The event featured a flag-raising ceremony held on June 12, graced by His Excellency Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE; Hon. Marford Angeles, Consul General in Dubai; and Vice Consul Paola Ebora. Also joining the celebration were Fuad Sharaf, Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, and Mohamed Al Jasmi, Associate Director of City Centre Deira, in a symbolic tribute to the enduring spirit of the Filipino community in the UAE. Adding to the festivities, members of the Filipino Social Club and a lively marching band composed of over 100 students paraded through the mall, bringing music, color, and a strong sense of community to the occasion. The celebration is part of City Centre Deira's ongoing tribute to the Filipino community, running from June 5 to 15. For nearly two weeks, the mall has transformed into a festive space that highlights Filipino culture, creativity, and camaraderie. Shop, Win, and Celebrate Filipino Pride In the spirit of the celebration, shoppers can take part in the 'Shop & Win' promotion by spending AED 300 for a chance to win 127,000 SHARE points—equivalent to AED 12,700 in their SHARE Wallet—until June 15. From dining and beauty to fashion and entertainment, every purchase brings customers closer to big rewards. To add a personal touch, a Customization Booth is open until June15. Shoppers who spend AED 200 can design their own tote bags and charms—simple, stylish keepsakes that proudly reflect their Filipino identity. A place where culture comes together Located in Al Rigga, City Centre Deira remains a favorite destination for many Filipinos and other expatriates in the UAE. The annual Independence Day celebration is a heartfelt tribute to the community—one that brings people together to honor their roots, share their stories, and celebrate freedom.
