(01 December 2024, Jakarta) - Charge d’Affaires Gonaranao B. Musor graced the much-anticipated Paskong Pinoy celebration, an event that brought together the Filipino community in Jakarta to showcase the rich culture and vibrant traditions of the Philippines and fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity among Filipinos in Jakarta.
The event, which drew more than 700 participants, was organized by various Filipino community organizations and volunteers. This year’s festivities featured an array of activities, starting off with a Thanksgiving Mass, followed by games for the children and adults, a band performance, a Christmas lantern contest, and the beloved carol competition.
In addition to the cultural festivities, the event also featured a lively bazaar where participants could explore and enjoy products from various sponsors of the activity; and food stalls offering a wide variety of Filipino dishes, allowing attendees to indulge in authentic Filipino flavors. From savory favorites like lechon, menudo and kare kare to sweet treats such as bibingka and puto, the food stalls added to the festive atmosphere and provided a true taste of the Philippines.
The Philippine Embassy also manned a consular booth at the event, to provide assistance to Filipino nationals on consular matters, including passport inquiries and document services. This initiative allowed Filipinos in Jakarta to address their consular needs while enjoying the festivities.
In his opening remarks, CDA Musor expressed his gratitude for the Filipino community’s various initiatives in celebration of the 75 years of Philippines-Indonesia diplomatic relations and their contributions in making the community in Indonesia vibrant, supportive, and strong. “I hope that next year, we will face the challenges of life together and work for the continued advancement of our kababayans here in Indonesia. We are so proud of you—our modern-day heroes who are living and working in Indonesia, yet carrying with you the heart and soul of the Philippines,” said CDA Musor.
The event also featured lively performances, fun-filled games, and a strong sense of community that allowed participants to experience the heart of Filipino Christmas celebrations, even while living abroad. The Paskong Pinoy celebration remains a cherished occasion for the Filipino community in Jakarta, promoting cultural exchange and celebrating the enduring Filipino values of family, joy, and togetherness. END
