The Philippine Embassy in Manama hosted a Christmas celebration, bringing together members of the Filipino community for a day filled with warmth, culture and camaraderie.
Filipino craftsmanship and creativity were showcased on the embassy grounds, where colourfully decorated stalls offered a wide range of products – from traditional delicacies to handcrafted goods and innovative creations – providing local entrepreneurs with a valuable platform to connect with the audience.
Ambassador-Designate Gines D Gallaga, accompanied by his spouse, Moira, warmly welcomed attendees and expressed deep appreciation for the Filipino community’s ‘resilience, diligence and unwavering commitment’.
“You exert tireless effort not only for your families, but also in contributing to the Philippine economy,” he said, paying special tribute to Filipino migrant workers for their dedication and invaluable contributions abroad.
Mr Gallaga also acknowledged the leaders of the nation’s community, thanking them for their continued support of the embassy’s programmes and initiatives.
For many attendees, the celebration offered a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with their roots. A housemaid from Barbar, Marilyn Hilario Destreza, 54, for instance, spent her day off at the event, cherishing the chance to experience a sense of home away from home.
One of the event’s highlights was the Lumpia Cooking Contest, conceptualised by Ms Gallaga, which saw 12 participants showcase their culinary creativity by crafting an array of edible masterpieces.
The festivities were further enlivened by cultural performances from the Magalak Choir, Filipino Community Band and the Philippine School Bahrain Chorale, who delighted the audience with joyful Christmas carols.
Officials and staff from the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Bahrain were also in attendance, underscoring the strong institutional support for the community.
Earlier in the day, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, in collaboration with the women’s organisation Pinay Ikaw Na, conducted a candle-making skills training workshop to empower participants through livelihood development.
&uuid=(email))