“Bayanihan” Spirit Uplifted In Singapore

It is another time of the year where the Filipino Community in Singapore gathered to show their unity through the third “Bayanihan Walk 2017”. The 3.88km fun walk with over 400 participants took off last Sunday, 21 May 2017, around Labrador Park. It started and ended at the Philippine Bayanihan Centre grounds, from 8AM.

The event was organized by the PHL Bayanihan Society in Singapore (PBSS) in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy and a number of sponsors. The walk was meant for the benefit of the PHL Bayanihan Centre to support its various activities such as skills training and social gathering for the Filipino community in Singapore. It was also supported by the Singapore and Indonesian community in honor of their friendly ties with Philippines. According to Ms. Min Lau (Chairwoman of the Bayanihan Walk 2017) in one of her interviews, the walk also aims to promote unity while nourishing a strong bond within the Filipino community and building better relationship to other communities. With that, the participants mightily indulged themselves  under the heat of the sun knowing that each step they take goes to support a great advocacy which is to promote positive values and also to encourage fellow OFW-SG to become role models for the Filipinos here in Singapore.

There was a 4-hour program prepared by a group of Filipino volunteer committee for everyone to enjoy while drying their sweat and re-hydrating themselves from the long walk.  The program was inspired by Filipino fiesta tradition with all the cultural performances and raffle draws where the winners can bring home 3 PAL round trip tickets plus a money card from PNB.

Philippine Embassy Ambassador H.E Antonio Morales gladly shared in his welcome message that the number of participants this year has increased. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation and sincerely hopes for continuous support.

The performers were all volunteers who showcased their talents to add highlights to the event. Random Republika managed to have a quick chat to some of them while practicing backstage.

Ms. Cora from the “Royal Zumba” who has been living in Singapore for 18 years said that ,“We decided to perform in the event to show our support and also to promote fitness awareness to  our fellow kababayans. With all the stressful life at work, we need to remember to keep healthy.”

A performer from another group “Kultura” named Mhlit who has been living in Singapore for 50 years also shared that,“This is something I have been doing since I was in grade school and I am very happy to share my time and talent to my fellow Filipinos. “

While some were enjoying watching the performances, others were also busy walking through all the exciting booths of the sponsors around the vicinity. M1, PNB, LBC, SSS, Smart World were few of the many sponsors.

The entire fiesta program was spearheaded by Morpheus Hub Events & Productions’ talents. The program was led by the Dream Top Model (DTM) Season 3 Grand Winners, Paulo Canlas and Irayori Gonzales. Some of their fellow models volunteered to host and sing in the event.  The team has indeed manifested an impressive unity to ensure the program runs smooth, fun, meaningful and successful. As Paulo posted in his Instagram account,”Dream Top Model is not just about fashion shows and photoshoots. It is also about giving back to our OFW-SG kababayans.” He further highlighted in his interview with Random Republika during the event that,“Supporting such event is something that Morpheus has been actually doing for the past years. It is one of the charity component and we are more than happy to continue the tradition.” 

The event was ended with a closing remarks by the Philippine Bayanihan Society Singapore President, Mr. Ranvir Kumar, thanking all the volunteers, performers, partners, sponsors and participants. He also added that,“All the funds that has been raised will surely go to our activities here. It will go back to the people. Bayanihan center has been around for 16 years already. Many people have attended our courses. Everyone is welcome to take courses or conduct any courses here.”