A vibrant celebration of Filipino culture and heritage drew a crowd of 30,000 people to the World Trade Centre Dubai for Kalayaan 2025. The event, marking the 127th Philippine Independence Day, brought together Filipinos and their friends for a day of folk dances, music, and traditional fashion, paying tribute to the community’s significant contributions to the UAE.
A Tribute to Modern-Day Heroes
Philippine Consul General Marford Angeles officially opened the festivities, describing the more than one million Filipinos in the UAE as modern-day heroes. He praised their tireless work across various sectors, from education and engineering to healthcare and service industries. Angeles highlighted their crucial role in supporting their families and home country, noting that a large portion of the USD $38.3 billion in global remittances from Filipinos comes from the UAE.
“They help build modern infrastructure. They wake up every day, work hard, and chase dreams, not just for themselves, but for their families and their country,” Angeles stated to enthusiastic applause.
A Celebration of Filipino Culture
The venue was filled with the sights and sounds of the Philippines. Attendees wore traditional Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana gowns, while clubs from across the Emirates performed in parades featuring marching drums and majorettes. The cultural performances and dazzling shows aimed to transport the crowd to the heart of their homeland.
Booths offered traditional food, including kakanin and taho, alongside local crafts and artwork that celebrated Filipino creativity. The atmosphere was one of community and familiarity, creating a sense of home for those living abroad.
Star Power and National Pride
The energy peaked with the arrival of performers from the Philippines, including actress Julia Barretto and singer Mj Cayabyab. Their presence was a highlight of the day, sparking joy and pride among the thousands of attendees. The celebration featured a soundtrack of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), with familiar tunes prompting a massive karaoke session as the crowd sang along with the performers.
The event served as a powerful reminder of national identity. “Kalayaan 2025 is more than a celebration, it’s a bridge back to our roots,” said Reggie Altera, a marketing manager attending the event. “It reminds us of who we are, where we came from, and how proud we should be to be Filipino.”
Voices from the Community
Attendees consistently described the Filipino workforce in the UAE with words like resilient, hospitable, educated, and professional. Many spoke of the strong sense of community and mutual support, known as the bayanihan spirit, that thrives even in a foreign land.
“Filipinos here are not just workers, they are dreamers, builders, caregivers, and leaders,” one participant shared. “We’re proud to be known not only for our skills, but for our heart.” Another attendee, Mj Traya, added, “Celebrating Independence Day here helps introduce our rich culture to the world. It’s a proud moment for every Filipino.”
As the event concluded, the vibrant spirit of the Philippines remained palpable. The celebration was a clear statement that even thousands of miles from home, Filipino identity, heritage, and unity are unbreakable.
