Filipinos attending the event yesterday. PICTURE: Peter Alagos.

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

Attired in colourful costumes, hundreds of students from the Filipino schools in Qatar yesterday led cultural presentations, attended by a large gathering of community members, to mark the 116th Philippine Independence Day celebrations (PIDC) at Al Wakrah Sports Club.

A presentation on the evolution of the Philippine flag was among the highlights of the performances that paid tributes to the valiant sacrifices of Filipino ancestors in bringing freedom and democracy to their home land.

Hundreds of Filipino expatriates stood and wave flags and red roses as they sang together nationalistic songs led by the embassy and PIDC committee officials.

Alexander Acosta, principal, Philippine School of Doha (PSD), told Gulf Times that the activities for the annual celebration served as a proof that Filipinos have a rich culture and heritage.

“By engaging in these activities, young students gradually imbibe the true essence of being a Filipino, especially those who are living in a multicultural country,” he stressed.

Knowing that these children were far away from home, Acosta said they had numerous programmes aimed at inculcating Filipino values such as patriotism and nationalism.

Under its curriculum, he noted that a community school like PSD had co-curricular activities for students to get involved not only in academic but also in other aspects of developing their holistic individual.

“We have an organisation called “Hiyaw (Himig at Sayaw)” which promotes traditional Filipino dances and songs. “We also have this choir, drum and lire, the bamboo organs and soon we will launch the Rondalla, a guitar ensemble.”

This was also evident in other Filipino schools in Qatar such as the Philippine International School and the Asian Integrated School which formed cultural groups and regularly join various regional and international competitions, events and celebrations.

About updates to build a new school building in Abu Hamour, the principal hoped for the final approval of two Qatar government offices before they could proceed for the bidding.

“Hopefully we can start the construction this year before the ambassador (Crescente Relacion) leaves,” he said, noting that Relacion was working hard for its establishment.

In his speech, the ambassador urged Filipinos in Qatar to stay united and support each other as one people, urging them to respect the rule of law always.

“For me, true freedom and independence is to shed away our negative individual traits, overcome them and turn in to a new leaf,” he said.

Part of the celebration included a trade fair, a food festival, magic shows, a medical mission, face painting, a car show and local tourism promotion of “Wow! Philippines”

In the evening, Filipino comedian Leo Martinez and model-actress Katya Santos enthralled the crowd. Talented expatriates also showcased their singing prowess during the “Kantahan sa Doha (singing contest)” and battle of the bands.

 

 

BELOW:

1) A dance interpretation of the evolution of the Philippine flag.PICTURE: Peter Alagos.

 

2) Philippine labour officials join Filipino expatriates in waving flaglets as they sing a song, Bayan Ko. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar.

 

3) Philippine labour officials join Filipino expatriates in waving flaglets as they sing a song, Bayan Ko. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar.

 

4) A choir delivering their rendition of Qatar’s national anthem. PICTURE: Jayan Orma.