TEHRAN—The Philippine Embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran observed the 123rd anniversary of the Declaration of the Philippine Independence on June 12 with a showcase of Filipino music and sounds that featured the Istgah orchestra—one of the most dynamic and artistic local groups.
Prerecorded with the Istgah in accordance with strict health protocols, the celebration highlighted this year’s themes: “Spirit of Freedom in Unity and National Healing,” and “Kalayaan 2021: Diwa ng Kalayaan sa Pagkakaisa at Paghilom ng Bayan,” which honored the resilience and sacrifices of the modern-day heroes, frontline workers, Filipino-Iranians in the said country, and the rest of the Filipino communities in Iran, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan who continue to grapple with the challenges from the ongoing pandemic.
The Istgah performed the Philippine National Anthem, then rendered classic Filipino ballads and songs. The performances were carefully curated in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra through the Philippine Embassy.
Philippine Ambassador to Iran Wilfredo C. Santos underscored in his remarks the importance of “continued sharing with one another the virtues of courage, hope, and singular purpose,” as he reminded everyone “not to lose heart…[as] the pandemic seems nowhere near its end.”
The Philippine envoy further assured Filipino communities in the three aforementioned countries of the embassy’s unwavering support in times of need, especially during the global health crisis.
This year’s Independence Day celebration coincided with the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, as well as the commemoration of the Philippines’s role in the achievement of science and humankind in circumnavigating the planet for the first time.
The video presentation can be viewed at the embassy’s official Facebook page @PhinIran, Instagram page @phliniran and web site: www.tehranpe.dfa.gov.ph.