FIRST MUTYA NG KALAYAAN NG PILIPINAS CROWNED DURING PISTANG PINOY IN MOROCCO

Rabat, 9 June 2024 - After a diplomatic reception on June 6, the Philippine Embassy in Rabat continued its celebration of the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence with the third edition of Pistang Pinoy held on 9 June 2024 at the Embassy grounds in Rabat.

Filipino community in Morocco with Embassy officers and staff and the ten candidates

The event was organized by the Filipino Society in Morocco, Filipino Fun Club Morocco and other Filipino community leaders.

After a flag raising ceremony, Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja welcomed over 200 guests and reiterated the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a transformation of society under the banner Bagong Pilipinas.

Ambassador Baja delivering his welcome remarks

This year’s Pistang Pinoy featured fifteen booths selling Filipino food and delicacies. It also launched the first ever Mutya ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas.

Ten Filipina candidates representing different regions in Morocco displayed pinoy pride by performing Filipino songs and dances. They also interpreted the Philippine national costume using recycled materials and found objects.

Candidates of Mutya ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas wearing recycled Filipiniana

Ms. Faith Salivio, a 20-year old working student from Mohammedia, won the crown after singing “Hawak Kamay”, donning a terno made of black plastic bags and answering a question on the biggest challenge of her life and how she overcame it. Her answer: “being discriminated upon in Morocco for being Asian” which she overcame with the help of her parents and the Filipino community.

Winner of the first Mutya ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas beauty pageant

An estimated 4,600 Filipinos reside in Morocco, most of them women working in the household service sector. END