In the month long series of celebrations for the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy joined the Abundant Life Centre (ALC) in its special worship service on 30 June 2013 dedicated to the Philippines and the Filipino people. Mr. Rey Non, Senior Leader of the Filipino group welcomed all the guests and thanked them for their presence on this significant occasion. Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez highlighted the shared Christian faith which strengthen the bonds of togetherness as friends and partners between Filipinos and New Zealanders, conveyed appreciation for ALC’s involvement in supporting missions in the Philippines and shared with them the vital contributions of Filipinos who continue to animate churches, share the values of faith and family similar to those held dear by New Zealanders, enliven cultural festivities, enrich rural communities and are highly appreciated in every profession, employment level and entrepreneurial sector throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

ALC’s Senior Pastor Hamish Thomson shared insights and experiences following the missionary mission he and Pastor Anne Thomson have recently undertaken in the Philippines and called on ALC members to support the continuing work of missionaries there and other parts of Southeast Asia. His visit became even more meaningful as he learned more about the milestones in Philippine history and the legacy of freedom of the country’s heroes. Gospel and Filipino songs were rendered by Ms. Arla Fontamillas, a scholar at the Victoria University in Wellington and the Wellington Filipino choir and a special ballet dance number was performed by Miss Christina Guieb.

After the Service, the congregation and guests enjoyed the fellowship and feasting around the table featuring Filipino cuisine amidst the Filipiniana ambience made possible by the contributions and cooperation of the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino group in ALC.

On 16 June 2013, the Philippine Embassy Team together with the parishioners of the Sacred Heart Cathedral had a special Philippine Independence Mass. Fr. Jim Dooley officiated the Mass and the Philippine Embassy officers and staff and their families participated in the Readings and Offertory. In her speech, Ambassador Benavidez thanked Fr. Dooley and the Sacred Heart Parish Council for organizing the Philippine Independence Day Mass as it recognizes nations celebrating their national days. She pointed out that the people-to-people ties between Filipinos and New Zealanders are reinforced by the strong spiritual connection and as His Excellency the Right Honorable Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae stated during the State Dinner he hosted in honour of President Benigno S. Aquino III last year, “Filipinos boosted the numbers in many a Catholic parish.” The lively interaction with the parishioners and Filipino community after the Mass was a wonderful opportunity to share the Filipino dishes prepared by the Philippine Embassy.