PH Embassy in Nairobi Celebrates Kalayaan 2025 with Community Gathering
Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang (center-left) in a group photo with members of the Filipino Community in Kenya, special guests, and friends
NAIROBI, 17 June 2025 – The Filipino community in Kenya gathered at the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi on 15 June 2025 to mark the 127th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with music, dance, traditional games, and a shared celebration of Filipino heritage with friends and partners in Kenya.
The celebration began with a community Mass, followed by the formal program, which opened with the singing of the Philippine national anthem.
A highlight of the event was the performance of the Lakbai Guitar Duo, visiting Nairobi as part of the Embassy’s Independence Day events. Their visit was made possible through the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The duo captivated the audience with a repertoire of traditional and contemporary Filipino pieces.
The event also featured a cultural dance competition, with Filipino community groups performing colorful traditional dances from across the Philippines.
Guests shared a potluck feast that included classic Filipino dishes—including lechon—and took part in traditional parlor games, such as “Pabitin” and “Jack en Poy,” which drew active participation from both children and adults.
A series of raffle draws added to the excitement, with prizes including a roundtrip ticket to Zanzibar from Kenya Airways, luxury staycations from Executive Residency by Best Western and Safari Park Hotel, a dinner voucher from Tribe Hotel’s Jiko Restaurant, and exclusive passes to ABS-CBN’s “Kapamilya Live” in Kenya with Coco Martin and Julia Montes on 28 June 2025.
More than a celebration, Kalayaan 2025 in Nairobi offered the Filipino community an opportunity to reconnect, honor shared heritage, and reflect on the meaning of independence while living abroad. END
Fr. Norman Labutan with fellow priests during the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Filipino community in Kenya.
Ambassador Tang delivering her opening remarks.
Lakbai Guitar Duo performing well-loved Filipino songs for the audience.
Cultural dance performances: Upper left: the Religious Group; Upper right: the FilKen Movers; Lower left: the School Lane Group; Lower right: Mga Langyaw ng Mindanao
Kids enjoy “Pabitin”
International friends pose with a jeepney and a sari-sari store.
Adults play “Jack en Poy” for a chance to win a cash prize.
Salu-salo in action.
Lechon: gone in a flash.
A mix of sweet treats and fresh fruits.
Missionaries serving each other at the potluck.
Filipinos capturing a moment together.
Best dressed couple in Filipiniana attire.
Raffle prize winner
