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 award-winning, Haraya Choir, stunningly sang and led the Philippine and British National Anthems, conducted by Karlene Hayworth. 

The Sinag Himig Chorale London sang the Responsorial Psalm under the baton of Nikko Oliver Villanueva. The choir sang beautiful and deeply meaningful songs of faith with other wonderful choirs from different parishes  throughout England, forming the Echoes Filipino Chaplaincy Grand Choir 2026. There were more than 80 singers who remarkably joined their voices together to offer the gift of music.

Carol Panday and Amy Balliao, Directors of Britanya Ngayon, attended the mass and felt blessed with a renewal of faith. They were also in awe of the music offered by all the very talented and dedicated Filipino singers and musicians.  

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Story source and photo credits: Britanya Ngayon, Haraya Choir, Carol Panday, Amy Balliao, and Nikko Oliver Villanueva