Hong Kong, 14 June 2023 — After a three-year hiatus, the 8th 𝑲𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒚𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒏 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑭𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 was staged in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. The event was held on 11 June 2023 at Chater Road, Central. The annual festivity was jointly organized by leading Filipino Community organizations in Hong Kong – Global Alliance Hong Kong, Philippine Alliance Hong Kong and Federation of Luzon Active Groups – in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Philippines and supported by the Philippine Association of Hong Kong.

Thousands of spectators filled the Chater Road to witness the colorful and lively parade, vibrant costumes, impressive cultural presentations and entertaining musical performances. Tultugan Performing Arts of Maasin traveled all the way from Iloilo Province and showcased an outstanding cultural performance. Filipino celebrities from Manila – Jay Chan Marquez and Ruru Madrid – added spark and entertainment during the event.

In his opening remarks, Consul General Raly L. Tejada congratulated the community for organizing the event. He also reminded them to value the sacrifices made by our forebears to achieve our independence. He also paid tribute and thanked the frontliners as well as the Filipino Community in Hong Kong for their sacrifices and hard work during the pandemic. Consul General Tejada also thanked all the organizers and sponsors who made the event possible.

The festival name “𝐾𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑦𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑛” is derived from the Cantonese word “𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑎𝑜” which means friend, to celebrate not only the Philippine Independence Day but also the friendship between the Philippines and Hong Kong. As tribute, the Hong Kong Police Marching Band earned loud cheers from the crowd during their exhibition.

Truly a community event, the 𝐾𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑦𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑛 𝐹𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝐹𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙 was participated in by around 100 Filipino community organizations and was co-presented by GMA Pinoy TV, AirAsia, Prime Credit, with the support from True Credit, HS Finance and Credit Co. Ltd., PNB, Metro Remit, AFreight, LBC, Paramount Life & General Insurance, Future Salad, Luxiskin, AyalaLand, BPI, BDO Remit, Barkadahan sa Smartone, Friends of Philippine Foundation, AMA Computer Learning Centre, Hong Kong Metropolitan University Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKMU-LiPACE), Owtel, Public Finance Limited, Palawan Pay, Jollibee, PCVC Consultants and Pag-Ibig Fund.