Posted by Administrator
Monday, 14 June 2010 11:43
112 years ago, our country, the Philippines, became an independent nation. In keeping with tradition, the Filipino Community in Korat, under the leadership of Mrs. Chit Ramones, celebrated Independence Day 2010 last June 12, 2010. Guests and members of the FilCom in Korat gathered at the poolside of the Rachapruek Hotel and shared food, fun and laughter, as well as compelling messages of unity among the Filipinos in Thailand.
Consul General Edgar Badajos of the Philippine Embassy, the main guest speaker of the evening, talked about a need for all Filipinos in Thailand to work together. Years ago, he said, Philippines was second only to Japan in terms of economic prosperity in Asia. But now, we are far behind other Asian nations. It is our challenge, Consul General Badajos said, to go past our idiosyncrasies and be united towards a common goal.
We really need to help our motherland, he added. “You are our cultural ambassadors. The whole world is witnessing what we are doing”, Consul General Badajos reminded those who were present that evening. Despite the numerous crises that have plagued Asia and the world over the years, the Philippines still stands. And according to the Consul General, it is because of the millions of Filipinos who work abroad. “We are proud of you”, he said.
The evening continued on with Vice Consul Randy Arquiza assuring the Filipino Community in Korat that the Philippine Embassy is finding ways to render a better way to assist Filipinos who are far away from Bangkok, with their needs from the Embassy. This endeavor is made possible with the assistance of the community President’s help, Mrs. Chit Ramones.
Mr. Hector Cruz Jr., who has recently arrived in Thailand as the first ever representative of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), has also assured Filipinos in Korat, as well as other Filipinos in the kingdom for that matter, that work is under way, to make sure that Filipinos who work in Thailand are duly recognized by relevant agencies back in the Philippines. This effort, he says, will ensure that Filipinos who travel between Thailand and the Philippines for work do not go through any of the troubles they may have experienced in the past.
As the evening wore on, it was evident that the Consul General’s call for unity among Filipinos and among organizations in Thailand, is already embodied by the FilCom in Korat. The event spoke of all stakeholders’ contribution towards the evening’s success, from the delicious Filipino dishes and presentations prepared by the members, the lively way the two emcees, Rie and Mike, hosted the evening and the support of the pioneers of the FilCom in Korat in the persons of Fr. Filomeno Mahusay, MSP and Mrs. Monalisa Songvoranit, who introduced Consul General Edgar Badajos as the evening’s honored guest speaker.
Joining the celebration that evening were Mr. Abel Cadias, former President of the Association of Cordillerans in Thailand, and Mr. and Mrs. Tan from Siam Pinoy. Mr. Cadias gave an opening message to the FilCom in Korat on the essence and importance of having a community for support and for working towards achievements. Mr. and Mrs. Tan closed the evening by a call to recognize everyone’s efforts in the work towards progress among all Filipinos in Thailand, but especially so among members of the FilCom in Korat, who has shown that much can be accomplished when everyone gives of himself/herself to benefit the whole community.
112 years ago, our country, the Philippines, became an independent nation. In keeping with tradition, the Filipino Community in Korat, under the leadership of Mrs. Chit Ramones, celebrated Independence Day 2010 last June 12, 2010. Guests and members of the FilCom in Korat gathered at the poolside of the Rachapruek Hotel and shared food, fun and laughter, as well as compelling messages of unity among the Filipinos in Thailand.
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