BANGKOK, Thailand----The Filipino community celebrated Philippine Independence on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the grounds of the Philippine Embassy here, co-hosted by the newly organized United Filipinos in Thailand and supported by other Filipino organizations and associations in the kingdom.

One thing Filipinos in Thailand really look forward to about Independence Day is its showcasing of talents, starting with cooking, singing and dancing. This is the time and place for taste buds to be satisfied by lutong Pinoy from morning to midnight, with arroz caldo, pancit palabok, lumpiang ubod, dinuguan at puto, bibingka, minatamis na saging, adobo, kaldereta etcetera.

Highlight of the event was the crowning of Mutya ng Kalayaan (Muse of Liberty) by Ambassador Antonio V. Rodriguez and his wife Jannette. Mutya ng Kalayaan is a fund raising project of the United Filipinos in Thailand.

The Photography Enthusiasts Club also showcased their work in exhibits featuring exemplary Filipinos who have made a difference to the Filipino community by helping their kababayan in the Kingdom.

The celebration enjoyed the generous support of Western Union, along with Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines which both donated round trips tickets to Manila. San Miguel Corporation provided huge and beautiful tents, chairs and tables with free San Miguel products. Beer was sold at a discounted price.

Needless to say, the 110th celebration of Philippine Independence ended with a lot of singing and dancing. ? Isabel Arias