(04 May 2025, Jakarta) – The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta proudly joined the Filipino Community in Surabaya in celebrating Pinoy Fiesta in line with the observance of National Heritage Month this May.

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Ihna Alyssa Marie O. Santos delivered the remarks on behalf of Chargé d’Affaires Gonaranao B. Musor, highlighting the importance of honoring Filipino culture and traditions, especially for Filipinos living abroad. VC Santos noted that “this celebration is more than a showcase of Filipino dances, music, and cuisine – it is a meaningful tribute to our shared identity as Filipinos.”

This year, the Philippines observes National Heritage Month under the theme “Preserving Legacies, Building Futures: Empowering Communities Through Heritage.” The theme underscores the importance of cultural heritage not only as an inheritance, but as a living legacy that communities must actively protect, promote, and pass on to future generations.

Pinoy Fiesta Surabaya featured vibrant cultural performance, traditional Filipino food and community activities that brought together Filipinos – including the personnel of the Philippine Navy from the BRP Tarlac – as well as friends of the Philippines, in celebration of Filipino identity and unity.

On the sidelines of the Pinoy Fiesta, the Philippine Embassy also conducted an overseas voting and  consular mission. The Embassy team was also joined by representatives of the Migrant Workers Office and Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (MWO-OWWA) in Singapore, as well as the Land Bank of the Philippines in providing consular services to our kababayans in Surabaya. Members of the Filipino community were also assisted in the pre-voting enrollment and in casting their votes online for the 2025 Philippine National Midterm Elections. END