Mums getting ready for the traditional dance presentation. by Sharnali Tisi

Cultural diversity activities: RHS Filipino celebrations

Filipino Independence Day, also known as Araw ng Kalayaan, "Day of Freedom" is an annual national holiday and the biggest celebration in the Philippines observed on June 12, observing the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain in 1898.

Mabuhay!

This year RHS Filipino students have organised a grand celebration to acknowledge the day in their Kura on the 8th of June.

The event was open for all and the program started with a welcome note from the principal. 

The MC highlighted the importance of this event and sang the national anthem of the Philippines accompanied by the audience. 

The Filipino culture group of Te Kāpehu Riccarton School also joined us to make the celebration even more memorable. 

A number of performances by both of the schools’ Filipino students, and mouth watering filipino food made the event successful. Students have organised a shared lunch. 

Special thanks to the parents who supported their children by providing traditional food for the event, maraming salamat po! We had enough food to feed everyone. 

It was amazing to see how beautifully the students took the responsibilities to organise the program and promote the Filipino culture. Special thanks to the Filipino student leaders; Carlo Querubin, Christine Tabernero, Alredd Martinez, Gel Costales, Joleen Uyaco, William Alonzo, for decorations, and Edrei Doctora, Christine Frago who worked hard to run the event smoothly. 

A huge shout-out to the staff members especially CDCT members, students and parents whose spontaneous participation made the event a success. 

Our students also participated in the Parol-making workshop organised by CCC on the same day. Thanks to Lullete, Sally and Becky for organising the workshop.

On June 12th, the 2nd round of MOE funded learning community HUB project workshops for Filipino parents ended with a beautiful certificate-giving ceremony. Our appreciation goes to the team who have worked extremely hard to collaborate and facilitate the project. 

Huge congratulations to the families who have participated in the workshops.

Binabati kita sa nagawa mo!

Participants and guests — Image by: Sharnali Tisi