Around 300 members of the Filipino Community, mostly in Filipiniana attire, and friends of the Embassy were present to commemorate the event.

The solemn event started with the unfurling of the Philippine Flag at 08.30H with the singing of Pilipinas kong Mahal led by Philippine Embassy personnel, joined by personnel from the Philippine Permanent Mission in Geneva and the participants. It was followed by the singing of the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, and the recital of the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas.

                                                               Ambassador Denis Yap Lepatan delivers his remarks during the commemoration ceremony of the Philippine Independence at the Philippine Embassy.

Ambassador Denis Yap Lepatan, in his remarks, said the Philippines celebrates Independence Day on 12 June because it is “when the Filipino people solemnly expressed their will and determination to be a free and independent nation.” He added that, “It was the will and determination of the people that made us a nation - `isang bansa, isang diwa’”. He asked the participants to remember that, when they look at the Philippine flag, “… it is the fruit of the sacrifice, the blood, sweat and tear of countless Filipinos”.

In his remarks, Ambassador Lepatan also acknowledged the event’s special guests, namely: Dr. Raul Sunico, Aleron Musical Director Mr. Christopher Ong Arceo, and Swiss-Filipino Chef Domingo Domingo.

Ambassador Lepatan also read the message of the Independence Day of the President, which called on all Filipinos to commit ourselves to ensure that the sacrifices of our patriots, heroes and martyrs “have not been in vain and that their dream of a truly independent Philippines – whose people live freely in a secure, stable and prosperous society – will be achieved within our lifetimes.”

Swiss-based Filipino youths sang Bayan Ko and Ako ay Pilipino to instill a sense of nationalism among the Filipino participants. Filipino children from 2½ to 12 years of age also sang “Bahay Kubo” and “Leron Leron Sinta”; while the Filipinas Chorale Group sang Philippine classics Sa “Libis ng Nayon”, “Lawiswis Kawayan”, and “Ti Ayat Ti Maysa nga Ubing”.

Swiss-based Filipino youths performing nationalist songs, “Bayan Ko” and “Ako ay Pilipino” during the event at the Philippine Embassy to commemorate the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Mr. Sebastian Eviota (left) plays the guitar during the singing of Bayan Ko.

Filipino children from 2½ to 12 years of age singing “Bahay Kubo” and “Leron Leron Sinta” during the Independence Day event.

The Filipinas Chorale Group performing “Sa Libis ng Nayon”, “Lawiswis Kawayan”, and “Ti Ayat Ti Maysa Nga Ubing”.

Around 300 Filipinos and Swiss friends attended the commemorative event in the morning of 15 June 2019 at the Philippine Embassy.

The commemoration was capped with a brunch catered by renowned Filipino-Swiss chef, Mr. Domingo Domingo (rightmost, left photo), and his team who prepared a variety of well-loved Filipino food - lugaw, pancit, salmon tinapa with atchara, adobo, kaldereta, lechon, pork belly, coconut leche flan, halo-halo, and coconut, mango-flavored ice cream to the participants delight. 

                                                                                           Ambassador Denis Yap Lepatan and Madame Maria Teresa Lepatan with Dr. Raul Sunico and personnel of the

                                                                                                                                  Philippine Embassy pose for souvenir photos after the event.