15 June 2007 — Philippine Ambassador to Greece Rigoberto D. Tiglao reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy commemorated the 109th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence with a series of events leading to 12 June. Independence Day festivities in Athens began on Sunday, 10 June 2007, with the “Pista ng Kalayaang Pilipino sa Gresya” at the Fokianos/Zappeion Basketball Court organized by the Embassy and the Filipino Community in Athens.

Ambassador and Mme. Tiglao lead Embassy officials, staff and members of the Filipino community in a parade opening the “Pista ng Kalayaang Pilipino sa Gresya,” held at the Fokianos/Zappeion Basketball Court in Athens on 10 June 2007.

The day-long event began with a parade led by Ambassador Tiglao and Mme. Getsy Tiglao, with the participation of the Philippine Embassy Officers and staff, Filipino schools and Filipino organizations. Ambassador Tiglao and Embassy officials read the Independence Day messages of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Labor Secretary Arturo Brion, and OWWA Administrator Marianito Roque. Cultural presentations from various Filipino organizations in Athens and a competition on “Best in National Costume” were held during the program.

In the afternoon, there were parlor games for children and adults and a raffle draw, which included among its major raffle prizes three round-trip tickets courtesy of Thai Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. A youth band competition organized by OWWA showcasing the musical talents of the younger set ended the program.

Students of the Katipunan Philippines Cultural Academy (KAPHILCA) perform the “Binuyugan” at the “Pista ng Kalayaang Pilipino sa Gresya” event.

In the morning of 12 June, Ambassador and Mme. Tiglao led Embassy personnel in a flag-raising ceremony at the premises of the Embassy, which was followed by a traditional Filipino breakfast.

In an impromptu speech, Ambassador Tiglao commended Embassy officers and staff for their hard work in making the celebrations with the Filipino community on June 10 event successful.

Ambassador and Mme. Tiglao lead Embassy officers and staff in singing the National Anthem at the Flag-Raising ceremony on 12 June 2007 at the Embassy.

In the evening, Ambassador and Mme. Tiglao hosted a diplomatic reception at the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Grand Bretagne attended by around 250 persons. Guests included Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, members of the diplomatic corps and Greek officials, the business community in Athens, and selected Filipino Community leaders. Filipino dishes prepared by Embassy personnel and Filipino Community members were well-appreciated by the foreign guests. A video presentation consisting of the gala dinner during the ASEAN Summit in Cebu and Philippine tourism were played on a big screen throughout the evening, and tourism brochures were distributed to departing guests.

Ambassador and Mme. Tiglao welcome Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis at the Philippine National Day reception held at the Hotel Grand Bretagne in Athens on the evening of 12 June.

Guests at the Philippine National Day reception enjoy a night of hospitality, music and food. Around 250 guests – members of the diplomatic corps, Greek government and business officials and Filipino community members – attended the reception.