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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
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Holiday Warmth in Wales
The deep meaning behind Welsh Christmas When I first arrived in North Wales in 2001, I had no idea how this laid-back, sheep-filled countryside celebrated Christmas. Growing up in the Philippines—especially in the barrio, and in a big family where money was always tight—we didn’t have the luxury of writing Christmas lists or expecting mountains of presents. With my father as a farmer and our priority simply getting food on the table, celebrations always came second. That was

Jonathan Pico
Dec 29, 20254 min read


Para Sa Bayan. For my Motherland.
Reflections & images by Stella Sait, UK When does one become patriotic? During war? During disasters? Or when you are away from your home...
Elizabeth von Atzigen
Jun 18, 20222 min read


ROOTS & WINGS SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP Invitation to engage in positive change with social impact
By Becky Torres, Marizel Arambulo In celebration of our 12th anniversary this year, Roots & Wings is formally launching a Social...
Elizabeth von Atzigen
Feb 16, 20224 min read


Dreaming of a white Christmas
Rica & David Abbott, Champery Switzerland Christmas is our favourite time of year. Every Christmas is special. It’s the season of love...

Rica & David Abott
Dec 15, 20211 min read


Thirty-first year wedding anniversary during the pandemic
Text by Mae Cayir, Vienna My husband and I will arrive at our 31st wedding anniversary, vaccinated against COVID19, in our mid-life years...

Mae Cayir
Aug 27, 20212 min read


The New Breed of Excellence
How some Filipinos thrive and succeed on the south of Spain Text and images by Jeno Pineda, Marbella In 2017, Rhea Zamora arrived from...

Jeno Pineda
Aug 15, 20213 min read


My Mother's Story: Faustina Verdillio, Pioneering Filipina Nurse in Austria
Words & Photo by Cynthia Kurleto It was the early 70’s when my mother Faustina Verdillio, born and raised a Filipina, landed in Vienna,...

Cynthia Kurleto
Aug 8, 20213 min read


The Filipina, A Study in Contradiction
Echoes from the US, Philippine-based golden jubilarians after a most memorable class reunion in Vigan The Filipina is a study in...

Loree Cruz-Mante
Jun 12, 20213 min read


Hyphenated identities
With about five decades of Filipino migration history to Europe and over a century to the United States, today’s second and third...

Betsy von Atzigen
Jun 1, 20213 min read


When worlds mix - A rich kaleidoscope of thoughts and feelings
2nd Gen Filipino siblings on their mixed Filipino-European heritage and upbringing For this issue of the “Roots and Wings” online...

Tania Viarnaud
Jun 1, 20216 min read
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