Milan – In celebration of 114th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence Day, PCG Milan organized a Thanksgiving Mass on 10 June 2012 at Piazza Frattini, Milan, with the various Filipino communities. The Mass in Tagalog was concelebrated by four Filipino priests and one Italian who has served with the Salesian order in the Philippines for over 40 years. Different Filipino communities from Milan and Northern Italy came to participate. After the Mass, staff and guests proceeded to the potluck lunch at the piazza church grounds. In her opening remarks, Consul General Lourdes S. Tabamo conveyed President Aquino’s greetings on the auspicious occasion, stressing the importance of being carriers of solidarity and nationhood as demonstrated by our heroes. She thanked everyone who contributed and took part in making the celebration meaningful. Messages from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Labor and OWWA Administrator were also delivered. Guests enjoyed Filipino native cuisine offered by the Consulate and the different FilCom groups.
On 11 June 2012, a special flag raising ceremony was held at the Consulate’s public area. Passport applicants also joined in the singing of the National Anthem. Snacks and coffee were served to the applicants afterwards.
Apart from the two activities held earlier in the week, PCG Milan will also stage a concert “A Night of Philippines-Italy Friendship” on 16 June 2012 at the Auditorium di Milano, featuring world-class Filipino artists under the musical direction of Italian Maestro Ruggero Barbieri, former musical director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. The musical night also launches the special events commemorating PHL-Italy’s 65years of diplomatic relations.
10 June 2012, Sunday, Thanksgiving Mass
A concelebrated Independence Day Holy Mass at the Immacolata Concezione with (R to L) Father Emil Santos of San Lorenzo Filipino Chaplaincy, Father John Benna (Italian priest) of Filipino Chaplaincy, Torino, Father Rodolfo Maramba of Immacolata Concezione, Father Ronnie Lacanienta of Bergamo and, Father Diwane Cacao from La Union, Philippines, and Bro. LA Custodio, a seminarian in Milan.
11 June 2012, Monday, Flag Raising Ceremony and Breakfast
Consul General Lourdes Tabamo reads the Kalayaan 2012 message of President Benigno S. Aquino III
