Thousands of Filipinos flocked to celebrate the 126th Philippine Independence Day last Saturday (June 8) at Zabeel Hall 3 of the Dubai World Trade Center in a dazzling display of cultural pride, unity, and passion.
Hosted by the Filipino Social Club with the theme of ‘Filipino Pride: Embracing Diversity, Celebrating Unity, and Love of Country’, the inaugural opening of the weekend celebrations showcased the spirit of the Philippines with its colorful parades, multitude of activities, and entertainment. One of the latest additions to the first of a two-day event was the enthusiastic participation of several Filipino pop-culture collectors assembled by the BST Community along with the presence of Comicave which added a unique and colorful dimension to the celebration.
Located near the entrance of the venue, the collectors’ segment from various Anime, Hotwheels and Die-Cast collectors was a great addition to this year’s celebration, opening the doors for popular culture content. In addition, Comicave’s line-up of Filipino-made, limited edition collectible items such as Darna and Trese, and the designer toy figures from Quiccs, ChkDsk and Rlux Customs have added a new layer of Filipino pride.
Kudlit Crafts, a wood engraving service team, showcased their variety of collection available, while The Totem Brand launched its apparel and novelty line with Philippine colours in honour of the event. Similarly, the Depth of Field (DOF) Photography group displayed their toy photography skills using the superheroine Darna as their inspiration. Overall, their displays captivated visitors and sparked conversations about shared interests and nostalgic memories, highlighting the unique stories and artistry behind each of their items.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the event was the sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the atmosphere. This gathering was not just a celebration of independence but also a testament to the unifying power of shared passions. With the event’s success, participants are filled with gratitude to the vibrant communities and individuals that made it possible, and eagerly anticipate future gatherings to celebrate Filipino pride together once again.
