Philippines Parol Shines Tender

The Philippine Embassy in Damascus headed by Charge d Affaires CDA and Consul General Alex V. Lamadrid culminated the activities of the Christmas season with the first-ever parol-lighting ceremonies held in two locations on 23 December 2018 in the Philippine Consulate General in Aleppo and on Christmas Day at the Embassy chancery.The parol-lighting ceremony was made possible through the generosity of the San Fernando City government headed by Mayor Edwin D. Santiago who sent five large parols to the Embassy. The parol donation is part of citys cultural diplomacy projects.For the first time the Embassy hosted the Simbang Gabi Masses capped with a Vigil Mass on 24 December 2018 and Christmas Day Mass. All Masses were celebrated by Rev. Fr. Fahdi OFM parish priest of the St. Anthony of Padua Parish.In his message after the Christmas Day mass CDA Lamadrid extended his sincere appreciation to the Filipino community in Damascus for their active participation on the Embassys cultural activities and projects. He also thanked the newly-organized Samahan ng mga Filipino sa Syria SAMAFIL for spreading Christmas cheer to the wards housed at the Embassys Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Resource Center.