15 December 2016 — Now on its second year, the Paskong Pinoy sa Geneva welcomed almost 500 guests who participated and joined in its Christmas program and salo-salo of Filipino food at the Foyer International D’Etudiants St-Justin in Geneva, Switzerland on December 02.

“The increase of attendees this year, from last year’s 350, is a great indication that the Filipino spirit in celebrating the Christmas season is very much alive and sought after by the Filipinos in Geneva and Vaud. It, in a way eases the homesickness of our kababayans who miss Christmas in the Philippines,” said Consul General Enrico T. Fos of the Philippine Consulate General in Geneva.

Also in attendance to give their inspirational messages to the Filipino community were Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Maria Teresa T. Almojuela of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, and Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Joselito A. Jimeno.

The Paskong Pinoy sa Geneva is a brainchild of the Philippine Consulate General in Geneva in coordination with Ugnayang Bayan, the umbrella federation of several Filipino organizations in cantons Geneva and Vaud in Switzerland, is aimed at bringing Filipinos in Geneva and Vaud closer in fostering the culture of the Filipinos when celebrating Christmas.

The event was free of charge and open to all who wished to experience a Filipino Christmas even though they were away from home. It showcased different song and dance performances from different Filipino organizations, such as Come to Jesus Fellowship International (CTJFI), the Igorot Community (Benguet Igorot Association in Geneva (BIAG), Igorot in Geneva Association (IGA), Cordillerans in Geneva), the Geneva Christian Center (GCC), Kids For Christ (KFC), Kulturang Filipino Club Switzerland (KFCS), and Christian Church Fellowship International (CCFI), that willingly shared their talents with the Filipino Community in attendance.

Ambassador Almojuela led the Philippine Mission and Consulate General’s personnel in singing the “Star Ng Pasko.” END