08/06/2026
A fun-filled and festive celebration of the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence was held on Saturday, 6 June, at the Embassy’s Rizal Courtyard with the theme “Salo-Salo Kalayaan 2026.” The event brought together around 100 members of the Filipino-Dutch community for an afternoon of music, fellowship, and shared Filipino traditions.
In his remarks, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya highlighted the important role played by the Filipino-Dutch community members in strengthening the Philippines-Netherlands relations. “Filipinos in the Netherlands have served not only as ambassadors of Filipino culture, talent, and values, but also as important bridges connecting our societies and economies. Through your hard work, professionalism, creativity, and resilience, you have helped foster greater mutual understanding and cooperation between the Filipino and Dutch peoples,” he said.
“May this Salo-Salo sa Kalayaan renew our pride in our heritage, deepen our appreciation for the sacrifices of our forebears, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and solidarity within our community,” the Ambassador added.
The program commenced with the singing of the Philippine national anthem, followed by a series of musical performances showcasing the talents of members of the Filipino-Dutch community.
Ms. Cristina Barabat opened the entertainment program with a set of contemporary international songs, namely Bruno Mars’ “Risk It All,” Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” and Olivia Dean’s “Easy to Fall in Love.”
She concluded her performance with the rendition of Levi Celerio’s “Saan Ka Man Naroroon,” accompanied on piano by Ambassador Malaya, which carried the additional lyrics “Saan ka man naroroon, sinta / Sana’y isipin mo na mayroong Bayan ka / Ang Bayan mo’y Pilipinas na tangi / Bigay ng Diyos sa ating lahi/ Saan ka man naroroon, sinta/ Pangarap ko’y ikaw pagkat mahal kita/ Asahan mong sa habang panahon…/ Pilipino ka rin saan ka man naroroon.”
Ms. Annabelle Ausa followed with the iconic Filipino songs that celebrated patriotism, family, and love, including “Bayan Ko” by Lea Salonga, “Hawak Kamay” by Yeng Constantino, and “Dadalhin” by Regine Velasquez.
The musical program continued with performances by Ms. Hazel Meijer, who sang “Isang Lahi” by Regine Velasquez, “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele, and “Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran” by Asin.
Musical performances concluded with the rendition by Mr. Romar Roque, a Filipino contestant of Holland Got Talent, of the songs “Anak Dalita,” “The Prayer,” and “Time to Say Goodbye.”
Adding an energetic segment to the celebration, Walter Labajo led the community in a lively Zumba session. Participants joined in the dance fitness activity, which has become a popular feature of Filipino family and friendship gatherings. He also served as the master of ceremonies of the event.
Among the special guests were Ms. Giselle Sanchez, Filipino standup comedienne, host, singer and actress, and Delft-based Filipina Christianne Ramos, who will represent the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht in the upcoming Ms. Universe Netherlands 2026.
Community members took part in the picnic-style celebration, enjoying the Filipino tradition of bringing and sharing favorite homemade dishes and specialties, including pansit, adobong manok, biko, lumpia, pork and chicken BBQs, and spaghetti, among others.
With the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” (Freedom, Future, History), the Philippine Embassy annually commemorates Philippine Independence Day through activities that promote national pride and unity among Filipinos in the Netherlands. Filipino community organizations in The Hague, Amsterdam, and other Dutch cities likewise organize their respective commemorative events to mark this important occasion.// END
