2006 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands
His Excellency ROMEO A. ARGUELLES
PSAP’s Portable Christmas 2006
Rotterdam, 9 December 2006
It is that time again in the year when Filipinos in the Philippines celebrate with gusto the birth of Jesus Christ with the traditional misa de gallo, family reunions and gift giving. Surely, for any Filipino, whether in the Philippines or abroad, the Christmas season and the arrival of the New Year hold a special meaning – it is a time for self-reflection and prayer; for expression of love, joy and gratitude and for hope of an even better New Year.
Christmas in the Philippines is filled with such warmth and love that we all, outside our country, at this time of the year feel that extra longing to go back – even for a brief moment. We all know amongst ourselves that it is during theses days that we, Filipinos abroad, miss our family and our country the most.
Although we can not all go back home at this time to feel the authentic Paskong Pinoy, Christmas gatherings such as this, interestingly called “PORTable Christmas,” is an example of how Filipinos try to “bring over” and replicate the beautiful tradition of a Filipino Christmas wherever they may be. We all try to regain the sentimental feeling by coming together in celebration. This lessens homesickness for many of us and strengthens our social network – vital to our living in a foreign land.
For the above reasons, I congratulate PSAP for this generous effort of bringing the Philippine Christmas closer to all of us, specifically to the Filipino seafarers. I am aware that PSAP has always worked hard for the benefit of the Filipino seafarers, not only in ensuring the daily welfare and leisure of seamen while at ports but also in actively involving themselves in international policy-making on maritime issues, specifically maritime labor. The Embassy fully supports PSAP in its endeavors to ensure a healthy and just working environment for all seafarers, specially the Filipino seafarers. As I assure PSAP of the Embassy’s continued support and cooperation, I also encourage all present today to support PSAP’s worthwhile activities such as its current efforts to publish a “Seafarers’ Primer on the 2006 ILO Maritime Labour Convention.”
Sa mga marinong Pinoy na nandito ngayon, Mabuhay! I am happy to see you all here. It is always healthy to enjoy and party once in a while, to take some break. Mahirap po kung puro trabaho na lang tayo palagi. I have said this before and I wish to say it again: I admire the Filipino seafarer. I admire his love for profession and his love for family. Alam ko na mahirap para sa marami sa atin na malayo sa ating pamilya ngayong kapaskuhan. Mahirap man, alam ko rin na matatag ang marinong Pinoy! Please keep yourselves healthy, for your own sake and for the sake of your family back home. Continue working hard, saving hard and praying hard. Please know that I am with you in praying for God’s protection for you and your loved ones at all times.
Mabuhay po kayong lahat and God Bless!
Maligayong Pasko sa Inyong Lahat!
2006 Christmas Message of Ambassador Romeo A. Arguelles in JPG (281 KB)
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