Filipinos in Bangkok and nearby provinces celebrated the 120th Anniversary of Philippine Independence through joining the Freedom Fun Run at Bangkok Youth Center on June 10, 2018.

The two-part program which was attended by at least 800 pinoys, locals and other nationalities ran from 6:00 am till 9:00 am. Consul General Val Simon Roque of the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok graced the celebration and delivered a short talk reminding the Filipinos of the importance of the independence we are enjoying today. Hon. Kobkarn Suriyasat Wattanavrangkul, former Minister of Tourism and Sports served as the guest of honor.

After the fun run, a cultural show followed which highlighted the event. Some traditional dances were performed by St. Theresa International College, The Cordillera Connection (TCC) and Filipino teachers in Sarasas Samutprakan . Warm-up songs in Tagalog led by teachers from St. Xavier School enlivened the program. RISDAC Gospel Choir, George Billy Gordon, Mark Brazas and Grace Arias offered intermission music.

Other feature activity including face-painting led by Josh Roxas and Josephus Bartin made the event more exciting. The two volunteers were both internationally-recognized painters who have been doing painting exhibitions in Thailand and other neighboring countries.

Western Union served as the major sponsor and partner of this year’s Freedom Fun Run. Bangkok University, Philippine Airlines, Department of Tourism (Thailand), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), St Robert’s Group of Companies, St Theresa International College, Lucky MM Filipino Store in Rayong, ASEAN 360, PinoyThaiyo and Filipino Films in Thailand also sponsored the event.

A lot of prizes and items were given away during the celebration. Winners of each category in running were awarded trophies. The major prizes which were five round trip tickets (Bangkok-Manila-Bangkok) from Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air (Aviation Thailand), Geortravel Tours and Pinoythaiyo/Filipino Films in Thailand were also drawn and awarded to the lucky winners.

The event was organized by Pinoy Thaiyo Promotions Co., Ltd. which also made the screening of Filipino movies in Bangkok and other major cities in the kingdom possible.