Belgium and Luxembourg celebrates the 27^th Anniversary

of the EDSA People Power Revolution

22 February 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Brussels and the Filipino community associations in Belgium and Luxembourg celebrated the 27^th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on 22 February 2013.  The ceremony to celebrate this historical event coincided with the 1^st Assembly of Community Leaders for the year 2013.  It was well-attended by leaders and representatives of the ninety (90) Filipino community organizations in Belgium and Luxembourg.

The program started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem, while the theme ''Pilipinas Natin, Abot Tanaw na!" was displayed on a wide screen as backdrop.

The ceremony included the viewing of the documentary film, "Ninoy: The Heart and the Soul" which moved everyone present and allowed them to reminisce about those momentous events in the nation's history.  END

Pinoy Radio Benelux Officially Launched in Brussels, Belgium

22 February 2013 - Pinoy Radio Benelux, an online Filipino radio station that provides news on the Philippines, original Pilipino music (OPM), public service and features Embassy updates and Filipino community events in the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), was officially launched on 22 February 2013 at the Philippine Embassy in Brussels, Belgium.  Leading the ceremonial switch-on were Consul General and CDA, a.i. Robespierre L. Bolivar, First Secretary and Consul Dinno M. Oblena of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands, and Mr. Sonny Laragan, Managing Director of Channel Philippines Network, Ltd., creator of Pinoy Radio.

The launch, which coincided with the Assembly of Filipino Community Leaders in Belgium and Luxembourg, was witnessed by leaders and representatives of over 90 Filipino community organizations.  The assembly proceedings were aired live by Radio Pinoy Benelux through www.pinoyradiobenelux.com

Speaking on behalf of their constituents, a number of community leaders expressed full support for Pinoy Radio Benelux, which they believe will provide a vital link among Filipinos in the region.  They suggested that a program on legal matters be created to help Filipinos better understand their rights in the Benelux region.

Pinoy Radio Benelux now broadcasts in UK, Norway, and France.  It will soon start airing in Germany, Italy and Spain. END

31 December 2012.  The Embassy of the Philippines hosted the 116^th Rizal Day Celebration of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (Belgium) held on 30 December 2012. Serving as the Knights of Rizal's culminating event of the year, this year's Rizal Day was organized by Sir Albert Arevalo of Knights of Rizal Brussels Chapter and attended by all the Chapters and Regional Masters of the KOR.  The event also included the participation of several Filipino community organizations in Brussels.

The Rizal Day celebration commenced with a flower offering at the bust of Dr Jose Rizal, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the Knights of Rizal Hymn.  Mr. Albert Arevalo delivered the Welcome Remarks and extended his appreciation to the Embassy for its valuable support on all the activities of the Knights of Rizal in 2012. The KOR has an on-going project of establishing a Rizal Library at the Embassy and both the KOR and the Embassy are actively making efforts to enrich the Library's inventory.

As the main part of program, the Masters of the various Chapters of Knights of Rizal delivered inspiring messages that recounted aspects Dr. Jose Rizal's life, his accomplishments and his enduring legacy to the Filipino people.  These Masters are Aalst Chapter Mr. Generoso Rebong, Brussels Chapter Mr. Jose Peres, Charleroi Chapter Mr. Mario Fajardo, and Diamond Chapter Mr. Paul Verloo. The final Message was delivered by Mr. Lino Paras, KGOR, while Mr. Rudy Nollas delivered the Closing Remarks.

CDA Lolita Capco delivered the Keynote Message of the Rizal Day where she highlighted the national theme of Rizal Day. Noting the attendance of a number of Filipino youth who came with their parents to the event, she encouraged the Knights of Rizal to consider establishing a Rizal Youth Chapter in Belgium.

The Kababaihang Rizalista Brussels Chapter Head, Lady Mary Ann Ballesteros delivered her message and led the Rizalistas in a rendition of a medley of well-loved Filipino folk songs. Also, members of the Iloilo Association of Belgium performed an Ilongo folk dance while the Charleroi Chapter sang and led in the community singing of "Ako ay Pilipino" and "Pilipinas Kong Mahal."

The leaders of the Knights of Rizal looked back on the year 2012 that was marked by the successful hosting of Rizal-related events and the very positive support these events received from the community. The KOR was one of the main organizations who lent support during the visit to Belgium of Vice President Jejomar Binay in September 2012. This Rizal Day was a successful way to close 2012 as it looks forward to a more productive year of cooperation. END