Filipino Community in The Netherlands Celebrates Kalayaan 2009
6 June 2009
[Ambassador Romeo A. Arguelles (left photo, center left) is joined by Burgemeester (Mayor) Bruijn (left photo, center right) of Haarlemmerliede & Spaarnwoude at the Independence Day Picnic of the Filipino Community in The Netherlands held on 6 June 2009 at Spaarnwoude Park, Halfweg, The Netherlands. Ms. Nhelley dela Rosa (right photo, center front), a celebrated Filipino singer in The Netherlands, serenades Ambassador Arguelles (right photo, right) during the Kalayaan Fiesta program as a tribute to the Ambassador’s support to the Filipino Community during his term of assignment]
The Filipino Community in The Netherlands led by UFDA and Barangay sa Holland held their traditional Independence Day picnic celebration on 6 June 2009 at the Spaarnwoude Park in Halfweg, The Netherlands. The Independence Day picnic is reportedly the biggest gathering of Filipinos in Europe which celebrates Philippine Independence. The Picnic started in 1988 and has continued over the years through the efforts of leading Filipino organizations in The Netherlands. Filipinos and their families set up their tents in the park and eat their lunch while watching the program at the center stage.
The Independence Day Picnic started with the welcome remarks of the Mayor of Haarlemmerliede and Spaarnwoude, Mr. Bruijn. Ambassador Arguelles also gave his welcome remarks to the more than 5,000 guests at the Independence Day Picnic. Various song and dance numbers were featured during the program for the guests to watch.
The yearly Independence Day Picnic also has stalls which sell Filipino delicacies, arts and crafts, souvenir items, and Filipino household goods.
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