Philippine School Doha

Posted on Thursday the 05th of July 2012

By: Ranica Casipit and Elsheen Cabunilas

Filipinos from different places in Qatar came together and celebrated the 114th Philippine Independence Celebration last June 8, 2012 with the theme "The New Filipino: New Independence, New Purpose, New Oneness" at the Sheraton Hotel. The event was divided into three parts - the morning, afternoon, and evening programs.

The Sheraton Foyer was teeming with visitors and it was conclusive that the event's development was not done in just a night or two. Mr. Fidel Escurel, the Chairman of the Philippine Indepence Organizing Committee (PInOC), stated that the celebration needed a lot of preparation and as early as November of 2011. Mr. Escurell said that the celebration is important because it brought the Filipinos from all around Qatar in just one place to celebrate the independence as one and made them feel solid and united.
The morning program was initiated with an opening prayer and was followed by the Qatar and Philippine National Anthems which were sung by the Lord's Choir within the conference hall. Subsequently, Mr. Escurel gave his opening speech; wherein, afterwards, H.E. Crescente R. Relacion, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar delivered his message. After the morning activity, a two-hour break was given for the transition to the second part of the program, which was the afternoon show.

The Pag-Iribang Bicolnon Qatar 2001 (PIBQ) headed by their president, Mr. Aries Celestial and PInOC Kantahan sa Doha Committee Chairman, Mr. Alan Bulan organized "Kantahan sa Doha 2012" which was held at Sheraton's Al Majilis Auditorium. The event was divided into two categories - the Children's Division and the Adults' Division, where in Katrina Remoroso and Dominique Vicencio, both from PSD won in the said competition.

The evening event served as the highlight of the day's festivity. This segment focused on the visitors having a luxurious dinner while witnessing Philippines' cultural dances and heritage entitled "Choose Philippines" that were showcased by PSD's Hiyaw Dance Troupe. The audience was overwhelmed as the Hiyaw dancers gracefully dominated the stage. The PInOC also took the opportunity to introduce its Executive Committee (ExeCom).

The 114th Philippine Independence celebrated in Doha Sheraton Hotel was a reminder of the unity that Filipinos have. This was the 3rd Year that Sheraton Doha has become the venue for the Independence Celebration - a reminder of Qatar and Philippines' cordial relationship, and a recollection when the Philippines was constantly battered by the other countries was put to an end.