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Stylish Cordilleralux Fashion and Events Hosts the First Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Limburg, Belgium

On 2 May 2026, the very first Philippine Independence Day celebration held in Limburg, Belgium, brought together hundreds of Filipinos and Belgians for a historical, stylish, momentous, and meaningful celebration that created memories for everyone to cherish for a lifetime. The opening 'salvo' was the Parade of Pride & Heritage which was a vibrant display of beauty, style, culture, heritage, faith, unity, and identity - setting a joyful tone to the fullcelebration that was wi

Feds Infante Murray

Aug 23 min read

The Philippine Independence Day Celebration Mass in London

London — The Celebration of Philippine Independence Day Mass was held on 7 June 2026 at the Our Lady of Victories Church in High Street Kensington, London. It was a special mass that was attended by many religious and non-religious organisations. The Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy in the United Kingdom, H.E. Teodoro Lopez Locsin, Jr., was very delighted to attend the special mass. He stated, "The Independence Day Mass was a beautiful showcase of Filipino devotion." The

Feds Infante Murray

Aug 21 min read

Kalayaan 2026: Celebrating Filipino Roots, Strengthening Cultural and Family Bonds in Oslo

By Jubirose Grijaldo, Secretary of Kalayaan Norge On a beautiful sun-filled Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Filipino community in Norway came together in a remarkable celebration of heritage, family, and national pride during the 128th Philippine Independence Day Cultural and Family Day at Spikersuppa, Oslo. Organized by Kalayaan Norge Oslo, the event drew nearly 15,000 attendees, including Filipinos, Norwegians, and other nationalities. More than a commemoration of Philippine in

Community

Aug 23 min read

FILIPINO SANTACRUZAN FESTIVITIES

Filipino Santacruzan in Crumlin, Dublin, Republic of Ireland by Hilda Arenas A beautiful tradition, a vibrant community, and a celebration that continues to bring generations together. Established in 2010 by the Filipino Community Crumlin, the Annual Santacruzan has become a much-loved tradition celebrating faith, culture, heritage and community spirit through its colourful outdoor procession and gathering of Filipino families and friends. Sharing moments from this year’s cel

Roots and Wings

Aug 22 min read

From the Nobel Prize to the Advent Star

A Christmas celebration in Sweden Adventstar: The shop window of Ljusexperten in Linköping, Sweden displays electric advent candles and stars of Bethlehem. (By Lars Aronsson/LA2 via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC SA 1.0) For me, there are four very important highlights in the Swedish Christmas celebration. It is something that I have adapted, loved and enjoyed since I arrived here in the early 80s. Lighting the Advent Star. The classic advent star has four stearin candl

Rachel Hansen

Dec 18, 20253 min read

A Christmas Box Every Day

The Mullets bring joy across Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Philippines For millions of Filipinos working abroad, Christmas is a season of joy mingled with longing—a time when homesickness hums louder than carols. Yet in a quiet warehouse in Belfast, Manolito and Maria Luisa Mullet have turned that longing into love. Through MGM Cargo Limited, they make sure Christmas reaches Filipino homes across the Philippines—one balikbayan box at a time. Inside their warehouse, the s

Hilda Arenas

Dec 18, 20254 min read

Alive Beneath the Northern Lights

An Icelandic night to remember There are night skies—and then there are nights when the sky breathes. Here in Iceland, under this vast Arctic canvas I’ve come to know so well, the aurora borealis doesn’t just appear; it moves with intention. Even after years of living here, every single display still catches me off guard. The sky opens, and suddenly, I’m five years old again, staring up in disbelief. The phenomenon The northern lights might look like magic, but they’re born f

Mildred Manuel-Vidarsson

Dec 18, 20253 min read

Her Excellency: A Legacy of Strength and Diplomacy

Ambassador Irene Susan Barreiro Natividad on leadership, legacy, and the Filipino spirit in Germany We have crossed paths on many occasions, and anyone who has met her would instantly recognize the radiant smile of this charming lady, gracious, warm, and effortlessly welcoming to all. In the quiet strength of her voice and the clarity of her purpose, Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan Barreiro Natividad embodies a legacy that extends far beyond diplomacy. As the six

Maria Renker

Dec 16, 20254 min read

Philippine Books to Take World Stage at 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair

by Commission on Filipinos Overseas The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world’s leading publishing event. (Photo by Lawija via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-4.0) Filipino literature is about to make its grandest entrance yet on the global stage. The Philippines is set to become the Guest of Honor at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest and most influential publishing event in the world. In an episode of The Chairman’s Report aired on Friday, Commission on Filipinos

Roots and Wings

Oct 15, 20254 min read

Department of Migrant Workers Reaches Out to OFWs in Finland Through Town Hall Meeting

by Anne Tafalla, Helsinki, Finland Filipinos in Finland had the chance to speak directly with officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) during a town hall meeting held on September 14, 2025, at Vipusentie 19, Helsinki. The event was organized in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Finland. The town hall gave Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) a space to share their stories — from everyday struggles to bigger challenges — so the DMW can better understand thei

Roots and Wings

Oct 15, 20251 min read

Kawali Filipino-Asian Cuisine

Filipino Flavors in Helsinki by Anne Tafalla in Helsinki, Finland A new restaurant is adding Filipino flavor to the city´s food scene. Kawali Filipino-Asian Cuisine, owned and operated by Rems Moreno, has opened its doors in Kallio, serving both traditional Filipino dishes and fusion comfort food. The restaurant, located at Fleminginkatu 12, Helsinki, also offers delivery online through Wolt and Foodora, making its menu accessible across Helsinki. Among the highlights spotte

Roots and Wings

Oct 15, 20251 min read

BOOKlatin sa Oodi

Philippine Embassy holds book reading at Oodi Library by Anne Tafalla, Helsinki, Finland The Philippine Embassy in Helsinki, in partnership with Oodi Library, held a book reading session on 22 August 2025 as part of “BOOKlatin sa Oodi,” in celebration of Buwan ng Wika (National Language Month). Children listened to the Filipino story “Alamat ng Palay” (The Legend of Rice), read by Ambassador Domingo Nolasco and teacher Ricca Carsula from Espoo Multicultural Education Service.

Roots and Wings

Oct 15, 20251 min read

First Filipino Barrio Fiesta in Prague

A unique celebration of community and culture by Grace Bantol, Prague, Czech Republic Photo credits: Hanadee Marohomsar - Pilecek The city of Prague came alive as close to 3,000 people gathered for #FilipinskaFiesta2025, the first Filipino Barrio Fiesta of its kind in the Czech Republic. It was not just a celebration of food, games, and music—it was a vibrant showcase of unity, leadership, and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan. From morning until sunset, the venue pulsed with

Community

Oct 15, 20253 min read

A Taste of Home

The first Philippine festival in Zürich draws thousands by Switzerland Association of Filipino Entrepreneurs The colors of the Philippines came alive in the heart of Switzerland this summer as the Filipino community gathered for the first-ever Philippine Festival Zürich, a three-day celebration of culture, food, and unity held from June 27 to 29, 2025. Timed with the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day, the festival was more than just a commemoration of freedom—it was a show

Community

Oct 15, 20252 min read

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