COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY AND CELEBRATION OF PASKONG PINOY 2023

10 December 2023 - The Philippine Embassy in Rabat, in partnership with EdukSine, a DOST-funded hybrid streaming platform and social enterprise that supports independent films, celebrated the International Migrants Day (commemorated by the United Nations on 18 December annually) through the film screening of Emir a drama-musical movie by Chito Roño about a Filipina domestic helper who works for the royal family in a fictional Arab Eastern nation of Yememeni. Emir was filmed in some of the famous tourist and filming locations in Morocco – Ouarzazate and Essaouira.

Filipino community members enjoying the film Emir

The film screening was followed by the remarks of Ambassador Leslie J. Baja where he officially opened the program for the Paskong Pinoy 2023. He welcomed and thanked the Filipino community for their continuous patronage of Embassy-led events, and conveyed appreciation to the organizing committee composed of Filipino community leaders for their unwavering support and proactive cooperation in making the event a success.

The event was a merry occasion filled with fun games, raffle draws and gift-giving. Filipino talent also shined as contestants showcased their vocal talents by serenading the crowd with Christmas-themed songs. The community featured ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness through their Christmas-themed booths where they sold Filipino food and delicacies and other local products.

Kids playing caterpillar race and trip to Jerusalem

The Ambassador also handed over the cash proceeds from the Pistang Pinoy held on 19 June 2023 to a Filipino beneficiary who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.

Ambassador Baja with the representative of the FilCom beneficiary.

The awarding of prizes to raffle draw winners and cash prizes to the winners of the singing contest and booth contest capped the day’s program.

Winner of singing contest

Winner of booth contest

Held on 10 December 2023 at Kenzi Tower Hotel, the Paskong Pinoy 2023 is the first Christmas fellowship organized by the Embassy in Casablanca where the majority of Filipino nationals in Morocco reside. The event was well-received by the community as hundreds of Filipino nationals from Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat joined the festivities. END