Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Vilnius, Lithuania
June 15, 2024 – Merienda Filipiniečių Užkandžiai/Filipino Snacks, with the assistance of the Filipino Community in Lithuania and IOM Lithuania (International Organization for Migration) organized the first ever Philippine Independence Day in Lithuania. People were invited through Facebook events, Instagram and through the JoinerApp. There were around 50 participants who came and joined this event.
This event aimed to introduce the concept of “Kamayan” to the guests, which literally means “to eat with hands”. We brought plenty of banana leaves to cover the tables. The guests brought plenty of food to share during the potluck session and placed them on the banana leaves.
Before we started the meal, we commenced the program by a simple flag ceremony. We played and sang the Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang” followed by the Lithuanian National Anthem “Tautiška giesmė”. We welcomed the guests and we shared plenty of food with each other. Guests who registered were encouraged to bring their national food, if they are willing because although this gathering is to celebrate the Philippine independence, it also celebrated Philippine friendship among other nationalities and countries. Almost everyone brought plenty of food to share – Filipino food, Azerbaijan food, Indian food, Arab food, Lithuanian food, and seasonal fruits as well.
After we shared a great meal, plenty of games were played by the guests, facilitated by the witty and funny Phina Taguibulos and her daughter Julie. Everyone participated in the quiz and a fun game of “Pin it to Win it”, plus a “Polvoron Game”, which gave the players a chance to recite some Filipino words while eating polvoron, a sweet, buttery, and crumbly confection, and challenging to eat while speaking, obviously.
It was then followed by a karaoke contest, which showcased the singing talents of many foreign nationals who participated in the event. A fellow Filipino who is known for her singing talent, Noimie, graced the event with a song number as well.
Many participants went back home with plenty of prizes and surprises, as we awarded the 5 best dishes during the potluck session, and the winner of the karaoke contest. However, those who participated got consolation prizes as well.
IOM Lithuania/MiCenter post about this event in this link: https://www.facebook.com/micenterlithuania/posts/pfbid02Bio8oY4ieTKhXMkvcTV3NC1kAGM5v14uZyBKuQY6KuExsTfC7omBa6UXkS7tfVEQl
A short video in this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/ojugaNgIc-s
Some photos during the event here:
