AS THE FESTIVE season arrives and the year turns its final page, I extend my warmest greetings to our Overseas Filipino community and the devoted readers of Pangyao Magazine. December and January invite us to celebrate joy, reflect on achievements, and look forward with hope to the year ahead.

This year, however, our celebrations are tempered by sorrow. The tragic Tai Po fire incident has brought grief to many families and friends. I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected. In this time of mourning, I stand with you in solidarity. May we find strength in our unity and compassion in the way we continue to support one another.

At the same time, I am proud to share with you the Philippine Consulate General’s recent efforts to promote Filipino culture, heritage, and service. Through Silid Kultura: Performing Arts Workshop, Filipino children in Hong Kong explored music, movement, and storytelling under the theme Turismong Pambata. We honoured indigenous wisdom in the online lecture entitled “Balangay and Suyam: Maritime Vessels, Textile Heritage” by Mr. Carlito Camahalan Amalla, and empowered artists through a Financial Literacy for Artists workshop with Guhit Kulay. 

Filipino artistry shone brightly at Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025, where our performers presented the Tinikling and Banga Dance, alongside Philippine crafts and cultural materials. We also hosted Professor Ambeth R. Ocampo’s lecture entitled “Early Philippines-Hong Kong Historical Relations: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal”, which allowed a diverse audience to reflect on Hong Kong’s place in Dr. Rizal’s journey and its continuing resonance today.

We also proudly welcomed prominent Filipinos to Hong Kong. The phenomenal pop group SB19 electrified audiences with their two-night concert, while tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala inspired pride during her campaign at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, where I was honoured to perform the ceremonial coin toss. 

Beyond culture, we strengthened our commitment to service. The Alagang OWWA: Health, Wellness and Membership Caravan delivered essential government services to thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers, reaffirming our dedication to the welfare of our modern-day heroes. Collaborative discussions with Hong Kong officials, including the Labour Department, also underscored our shared responsibility to protect and empower the more than 200,000 Filipino domestic workers in the city.

Sa diwa ng darating na Pasko, malugod po naming inaanyayahan ang buong Filipino Community sa Hong Kong na makiisa sa Simbang Gabi ngayong darating na 21 Disyembre 2025, Linggo, sa St. Joseph’s Church, Mid-levels. Kasabay nito ay ang maikling programang pangkultura na tinatawag na Pastaran, kung saan gaganapin ang parangal para sa “Belen” (Nativity Scene) making contest ng Konsulado.

Habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang Pasko at sasalubungin ang Bagong Taon, nawa’y maging paalala ang panahong ito ng lakas na ating natatagpuan sa pagkakaisa, ng galak na ating pinagsasaluhan sa pagdiriwang, at ng pag-asa na ating inaalagaan para sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Sa gitna ng ating mga tagumpay at kasayahan, nawa’y manatili rin ang ating malasakit at pakikiramay sa mga kapwa nating dumaranas ng pagsubok. Maraming Salamat po! Mabuhay!