On Saturday, 21 June, we celebrated the 14th year anniversary of our Independence Day at Pistahan sa Newcastle, the 127th year of Philippine Independence Day.
As an organiser for Independence Day and Pistahan sa Newcastle 2025, moments like these remind me why I love what I do, not only for my sanity but for the enjoyment of seeing the fruit of our labour. From colourful dresses to stunning cultural shows, every performer brought the energy, passion, and joy to life!
Thank you not only to the individual performers but also to all the amazing groups who shared their talents and made the event so unforgettable. Your smiles, spirit, and stories were the heartbeat of this celebration!
Parking Ticket Band commenced our programme with their OPM songs, which I’m sure everyone enjoyed, and concluded with our Soulmate Family Band.
I would like to thank Father Gavino, who officiated our Tagalog Thanksgiving holy mass with the help of Brother Noy Erfe and Mr and Mrs. Alex Bueno. We were so blessed on this occasion.
We were honoured and sincerely thank the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes, and Consort-elect, Councillor Alex Geddes. We really appreciated their genuine support for our Filipino community.
I would like to thank all the participants of our parade and programme, all volunteers, raffle ticket sellers, and of course our supporters and audience, not only from Newcastle but all over other cities of the United Kingdom; without you, this event would not be a success.
I would also like to thank the group who supported us throughout the event, from commencing up to the end, the APO, the Mason, and NEFO.
We are again most grateful and give our sincere thanks to the Management of the Blaydon Rugby Club and the Northern Production for supplying our venue and stage this year.
We sincerely thank our sponsors for their continued faithful support of this yearly event. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all well in your future business and social endeavours. On behalf of the organising committee and attendees, a huge and very sincere thank you to you all.
Major Sponsors:
- Manning Impex Ltd
- PINAS Express Balikbayan
Minor Sponsors:
- OWL Insurance
- Cook In Style – Authorised Dealer of Royal Prestige
- Nutraway (Carico)
- Forex Cargo
- Tres Marias and Son’s Catering
- Pepi & Libby’s Catering
- Nica’s Panaderia
- Panaderia De Ciudad
- LT Express
- Dynamic Kitchen (Salad Master)
- BC Remit
- LBC Express
- Etchetera
- Georgia’s Filipino & Oriental Food Supply
- Kangton Sweets
- Ana Biggs Sweet
- KJF Foods
- Melanie Staple – Face Painting and Makeup
- Lyn Pingol Travel & Tours
- BOCA
- Krispy Creme by Karl Jacinto
- Analisa Honeyman
- Loreta Robinson
Raffle Donors :
- Ali Hajj
- Selfie Beach Resort Camarines Norte and The Reef Experience Bowburn County Durham
- Antoinette Uy
- Marivic Saunders
- Rodger Maningding
Special Thanks to Cyle Design – who design all our artworks.
Media Sponsors
- Planet Philippines
- One Philippines
Again, thank you to our hosts and program coordinators, Jean and Cyle. Our grateful thanks to all the Performers, our Zumba Instructors, Haidee, BIBAAK Dancers (BENGUET IFUGAO BONTOC APAYAO ABRA KALINGA), Aidan Alon, Ailia Emmanuel Zamora, Armin Pascua, Ella Hidalgo , with special thanks to Parking Ticket Band, Soulmate, Fujiko Pre (Vice Ganda Look A Like) and Giselle Sanchez (Ang babaeng di nabubulok) who enlightened our day, a day of laughter and enjoyment throughout, so much so, we are looking forward for the next year’s big event as this will be our 15th year Anniversary. I will definitely give you a big blast on June 20, 2026.
Again, MARAMING SALAMAT sa inyong lahat. MABUHAY
