Singapore, 9 June 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Singapore co-organized a special mass and fellowship with the Filipino community at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on Sunday, 8 June 2025, to mark the opening of the weeklong celebration of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Held on Pentecost Sunday, the celebration highlighted the shared significance of the birth of the Church and the birth of the Filipino nation. Around 300 members of the Filipino community came together for the Filipino mass, which was celebrated in Filipino by Fr. Romeo Yu Chang.

Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig led the Embassy delegation and delivered a message before the final blessing of the mass. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather in faith and thanksgiving, and underscored the significance of celebrating Philippine Independence Day, especially in light of recent milestones, including the successful conduct of the very first online overseas voting.

Embassy personnel took part in the liturgical celebration, leading the readings, prayers of the faithful, and the offertory.

A fellowship followed the mass, with refreshments provided by the Embassy’s Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Section. The Church’s Filipino community serenaded attendees with a song and performed a lively modern dance rendition, reflective of typical joyful Filipino gatherings. 

Special blessings were also offered for fathers, and for community members celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in June, led by Fr. Shaun Lim, parish priest.

Welfare Officer Florencio “Jay” Teves III addressed the community during the fellowship, affirming that the Embassy and the Church continue to serve as a strong foundation of support for Filipinos in Singapore.

The Embassy conveys its sincere appreciation to the Sparkle Community, OWWA, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church and all those who contributed to this meaningful gathering that joyfully marked the beginning of Independence Day Week 2025. END