With the holidays fast approaching and the joyous spirit once again spreading throughout the community, I wish to convey my sincerest greetings to all of our kababayan here in Hong Kong.

The end of the year is a time for reflection. Almost a year has passed since the lifting of pandemic restrictions in Hong Kong and we are now able to gather and celebrate together like before. The pandemic was undoubtedly a challenging time for the Filipino community, but our strong bonds and faith in God kept us together and safe through those difficult periods. As we head into 2024, let us build upon these bonds to create a more loving, caring, and involved Filipino community in Hong Kong.

The holiday season presents an ideal opportunity to give thanks and show appreciation. Thus, I would like to take this occasion to congratulate Pangyao Magazine on their second anniversary.

Aileen and Martin have been key partners of the Consulate in delivering useful and timely information to the community. May this partnership, anchored on a mutual desire to serve our community, continue to grow and blossom.

I also wish to congratulate our hardworking men and women of the Consulate, who have diligently served the community throughout the pandemic and ever since. Even despite the trials and tribulations of the last few years, they never lost heart and their commitment to public service even doubled. They are, in my book, heroes in their own right.

Lastly, of course, I wish to thank the Filipino community for showcasing their Bayanihan spirit. From organisations such as the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, who were indispensable in providing assistance during the pandemic, to our Filipino community leaders who galvanised the various groups, I offer my sincerest thanks. We would not have been able to mount our successful Independence Day celebrations without all of your support.

For our kababayan who will be in Hong Kong for the Christmas season, I would like to invite you all to join us for the traditional Misa de Aguinaldo, which will be held on 24^th December 2023. You can view the complete details via the Consulate’s official website below.

From our Philippine Consulate family to yours, we wish everyone a restful and joyous holiday. Bearing in mind the blessings that we have received throughout the year, may we remain ever grateful and spread the spirit of Christmas to our friends, fellows, and neighbours alike.

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!