Preparations for the Philippine Independence Day (PID) 2024 in June are well underway. The mountain of things to do is getting tackled day by day, bit by bit. This year’s celebration is quite special because the celebrations will take place over two Sundays, 2nd and 9th June. 

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA), and my community group, Global Alliance, are working together to bring you a spectacular programme. 

Last January, I went to the Philippines to speak with media organisations TFC (The Filipino Channel) and GMA Network, sharing with them stories of the struggles that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have faced over the past few years during the pandemic, and explaining why they deserve an event that will lift their spirits, raise morale, and entertain them in a way that wasn’t possible before due to restrictions. Both networks have wholeheartedly pledged their support.

Sunday 2nd June will showcase the talent in our community through two competitions: 1) OFW Got Talent – finalists try to wow the judges and the audience with their special talents, from magic tricks to dancing, and everything in between; 2) OPM Battle of the Bands – eight bands have the chance to display their Original Pilipino Music skills and vie for the HK$10,000 prize! There will also be prizes for 2nd and 3rd places for both competitions. Also present that day are the TFC celebrity talents of Jed Madela (multi-award-winning singer and TV host) and Reiven Umali (Tawag ng Tanghalan 2021 Champion and TV personality), who will be there to entertain the crowd.

Sunday 9th June is the main PID, community-led event, starting with a Holy Mass, followed by a big street parade featuring all the officers and staff from the Philippine Consulate General, leaders and members of various community groups, Baile sa Kalye or street dance performers, and the amazing 500-strong Kulay Pinoy dancers. After the parade, cultural performances and celebrity appearances from the GMA network will take place, to keep the crowd entertained.

On those two dates, there will be entertainment and information booths from our corporate and media sponsors (including Pangyao), who helped make these celebrations a reality. These companies always have the best interests of OFWs in their hearts and all of us are grateful for their contributions to the upcoming PID 2024. We wish you all future success and prosperity!

If you wish to sponsor this event and be part of this exciting celebration for the greater good of our Filipino migrants, please get in touch with me through my WhatsApp.