Unity in Diversity

Empowering the Filipino diaspora through dialogue and celebration

by Aieshah Balmori, Halden, Norway

The European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) Norge brought together voices from across Norway and Europe on June 27, 2025, for Diaspora to Dialogue: Empowering Stories & Ideas Education, Migration, Culture & Arts at Halden City Hall. The event sparked meaningful conversations, amplifying stories of resilience and celebrating the richness of Filipino heritage.

The conference opened with a warm welcome from Kalayaan Norge Østfold Chairperson Roselyn Jensen, who greeted the delegates with thoughtful, handmade ENFiD-Norge garlands symbolising a gesture of hospitality that set the tone for the day.

ENFiD-Norge Chairperson Gina Hardy followed with words that framed the event’s deeper purpose. “Unity in Diversity is a theme, a reminder that strength doesn’t come from being the same, it comes from the unique contributions each of us make,” she said, reminding everyone of the day’s guiding principle and the importance of inclusion within the diaspora.

Halden Mayor Frederic Holm honoured the community with his presence, highlighting, “The Filipino community is one of the largest and most successful international communities we have in Norway,” a testament to the significant contributions of Filipinos to Norwegian society.

Presentations from ENFiD leaders offered inspiring insights. ENFiD Chairperson Marison Rodriguez introduced ENFiD’s mission and accomplishments, shared highlights from past initiatives, and invited everyone to partner in future projects, especially through the Center for Excellence, which aims to uplift Filipino communities across Europe. She emphasised that the Diaspora to Dialogue event “opens the space for honest conversations, shared experiences, and collective aspirations,” setting the stage for deeper, more meaningful engagement within the Filipino diaspora in Norway.

ENFiD Vice Chair Jeffrey Morales reflected on the importance of the Diaspora to Dialogue series, noting that D2D Norway marked the 12th gathering of its kind. He emphasised that dialogue is a powerful way to connect with local communities, understand their challenges, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen diaspora diplomacy as a bridge to host countries.

Meanwhile, Marizel Rojas, Director of ENFiD Austria, shared how ENFiD Austria’s dynamic cultural events foster community spirit, preserve Filipino traditions, and build meaningful bonds across generations. She encouraged collaboration with a heartfelt call: “Partner with us, and let’s make it happen.”

A lively panel discussion, moderated by Gina Hardy, featured heartfelt stories of perseverance and success from Filipino immigrants in Norway, including Marlene Strand, Jon Ivar Strand, Sampaguita Indrebø, Thea Indrebø, Lucille Ellefsen, and Suyin Serigstad. Their journeys of integration  and triumph offered valuable perspectives on life as Filipinos in Norway, inspiring many in the audience. The conversation also touched on the experiences of second-generation Filipinos navigating identity and belonging in a multicultural society.

A musical performance with the song “Heal the world” by Ludivina Hansen set a joyful tone before attendees shared a light lunch. The break became a space for networking, where participants exchanged stories, built new friendships, and deepened connections between ENFiD and the Filipino community in Norway.

The afternoon program featured messages from distinguished guests. Gene Alcantara, ENFiD UK Founder, recounted the organisation’s founding and its crucial role in empowering and uniting Filipinos across Europe. He emphasised the importance of genuinely listening to the community, stating, “They express it, we absorb it,” underscoring the need for open dialogue and mutual understanding within the diaspora.

Christian Estrada, ENFiD Former Chairperson and Honorary Advisor, encouraged pride in Filipino accomplishments, declaring, “It’s time to celebrate the successes of Filipinos.” He also highlighted the European Diaspora Impact Awards, congratulating Minnie Cruz Langer—present at the event—as the first recipient for her outstanding contributions to cultural diplomacy across Europe.

Norwegian-based Filipina Artist Grace Orbon-Emmelot, founder of Common Ground Kolektiv, showcased her collective’s artworks and discussed the power of creativity to bring people together. She posed the thought-provoking question, “How can art connect us all?” as she introduced her collective’s mission of uniting artists in shared cultural expression.

The Consul General of the Philippines to Norway, Johann Veronica Andal, spoke passionately about unity and the importance of mobilising the community from the grassroots. She called for collective action, stating, “We hope that the diaspora, realising the power that they have, can now mobilise the grassroots to move as a community,” underscoring each individual’s role in strengthening the Filipino presence and influence in Norway and beyond.

Youth Changemakers Forum co-organiser Aieshah Balmori underscored the power of intergenerational collaboration, declaring, “Intergenerational dialogue isn’t just an avenue for conversation, but a bridge that connects us to create meaningful and lasting change.” She highlighted how the initiative empowers everyone to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills, and advocate for social change within the diaspora and in the international setting.

The day concluded with an oath-taking ceremony led by the Consul General, officially welcoming new ENFiD-Norge members and reaffirming the community’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected Filipino diaspora.

As a show of support for their partner organisation, ENFiD members attended Kalayaan Norge Østfold’s Concert for a Cause on June 29, 2025. The evening featured electrifying performances from Stage Crayons, Dynamic Duo, SOS It’s ABBA Time, Team Bisaya from Germany and the UK, Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets Grand Champions JM dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, and special guest star Ian Veneracion, creating a joyful evening filled with music, dancing, and celebration.

ENFiD members also attended Kalayaan Norge’s Culture and Family Day on June 30, 2025, participating in the colorful parade, exploring the lively food bazaars, attending the mass, and engaging with Philippine Embassy representatives Eleonor Tolentino, Glenn Obach and H.E. Ambassador Enrico Fos. 

A memorable highlight of the day was when an ENFiD-Norge representative received a traditional sun tattoo from renowned Benguet tattoo artist Ate Wamz, symbolizing life, hope, and energy, while honoring a powerful connection to Filipino heritage and Indigenous identity.

ENFiD-Norge extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, partners, and supporters who made Diaspora to Dialogue a success and expresses deep appreciation to Kalayaan Norge Østfold for organising events that celebrate Filipino culture and strengthen community bonds. Deepest thanks and appreciation also go to the ever-generous hosts and sponsors — Jan Ole Kristiansen and Letty Kristiansen, Maria Nave, and Maria Rossbach — for opening their homes and hearts to the delegates. Through these events, the organisations honoured the stories, creativity, unity and friendships of the Filipino diaspora in Norway and Europe.