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FILIPINOS CELEBRATE SANTACRUZAN IN THE HOLY LAND

15 May 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv led more than 200 members of the Filipino community in celebrating Flores de Mayo and Labor Day on May 10 at the Hayarkon Park. 

The Filipino community's version of Flores de Mayo, also known as "Santacruzan," gave Israelis a glimpse of one of the biggest and most colorful festivals held across the country during the entire month of May.

Guests and locals at the park were amazed as the "sagalas" and "consortes" dressed in Filipiniana attire paraded with the colorful floral arches representing various Filipino organizations in Israel.  After the parade, the guests were also entertained with songs and performance of the "Tinikling" by members of the Filipino community.

The Philippine Embassy also took the opportunity to promote Philippine tourism by distributing “It's More Fun in the Philippines” brochures to Israeli watchers and explaining to them the background and history of the May festival.

As the event is well attended by the Filipino community, the newly-elected members of the Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel took their oath during the celebration.   Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial congratulated the new officers and encouraged them to perform their duties and responsibilities well and set an example to the rest of the Filipino community in Israel.

Plaques of appreciation and other special awards were given to recognize the efforts and creativity of the Filipino organizations participating in the festival. Winners of the competitions this year are the following: Association of Bicolanos in Israel (Best Floral Arch), Association of Igorot Migrant Workers in Israel (Best Group), Filipino Cultural Society in Israel (Best Slogan), United Filipino Foundation in Israel (Best Little Prince), Association of Igorot Migrant Workers in Israel (Best Little Princess), Batangas Raging Colligation (Best King), Association of Bicolanos in Israel (Best Queen).

The Philippine Embassy also recognized the good work and contribution of Filipino workers around the world during the event.

The Labor Day theme this year is "Disenteng Trabaho at Kabuhayan, Alay Natin sa Bayan."  Ambassador Imperial read the Labor Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III.  Labor Attache Rodolfo Gabasan, on the other hand, read the message of Philippine Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz for the occasion.

Ambassador Imperial commended Filipino workers in Israel for their hard work and sacrifices for their families, as well as their contribution to the economy.  He also took the opportunity to encourage them to continue with their good work and uphold traditional Filipino values in order to succeed in their endeavors and promote a good image of the Philippines.