Over 2,000 Filipinos Celebrate Christmas at New Taipei Event
In a heartwarming display of community and tradition, over 2,000 Filipinos gathered at Fu Jen Catholic University in New Taipei on Sunday for the annual “Paskong Pinoy” celebration, marking one of the largest Filipino Christmas events in Taiwan. The celebration, which brought together Filipinos from across Taiwan, is a testament to the strong sense of community that thrives among migrant workers in the country.
The event was hosted by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei and aimed to bring a slice of home to Filipino workers who are unable to spend the Christmas holiday with their families in the Philippines.
Celebrating Filipino Christmas in Taiwan
The event, held in the university’s auditorium, featured an early start, with attendees arriving in buses from various parts of Taiwan. Despite expectations of around 1,500 attendees, the event saw an overwhelming turnout of approximately 2,200 Filipinos—making it one of the largest celebrations in recent years. Philippine representative to Taiwan, Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, remarked on the significance of the gathering as a way to show appreciation to the Filipino workers in Taiwan for their dedication and hard work.
“Christmas is a very special occasion for all Filipinos. It is celebrated from the ‘ber months,’ from September to December. This event represents the culmination of our holiday celebrations here in Taiwan,” said Velicaria-Garafil.
A Special Celebration for Migrant Workers
Though many Filipino workers long to reunite with their families during Christmas, most stay in Taiwan due to work commitments. Velicaria-Garafil expressed hope that the event would offer Filipino workers a chance to enjoy the festive spirit and temporarily relieve the homesickness that accompanies working abroad during the holidays.
“The event is not just a celebration, but a reminder that our fellow Filipinos, despite being far from home, are still deeply cherished and valued,” she added.
Performances and Raffles Delight Attendees
The celebration was filled with music, laughter, and joy as Filipino performers entertained the crowd. Precious Paula Nicole, the season one winner of Drag Race Philippines, kicked off the festivities, followed by the powerhouse performance of Filipino diva Angeline Quinto. The energetic performances were met with loud cheers from the audience, making the event even more memorable.
In addition to the performances, a raffle was held, where lucky winners took home cash prizes. Manufacturing technician Marlene M. Dela Cruz, who won NT$10,000, shared her mixed emotions: “This is my first time celebrating Christmas away from home, and though I feel a bit sad, I’m so glad I could be part of this event.”
Edna Galvan, a domestic caregiver, and Mary Ann Ofemia, who works at an electronics company, also won NT$10,000 and NT$20,000, respectively. Ofemia described the experience as “overwhelming,” saying, “It was amazing to celebrate Christmas with so many of my fellow Filipinos. It made the day extra special.”
Table: Key Highlights of the “Paskong Pinoy” Christmas Event
| Date | Location | Total Attendees | Notable Performers | Raffle Prizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7, 2024 | Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei | 2,200+ | Precious Paula Nicole, Angeline Quinto | NT$10,000, NT$20,000 |
FAQs
Q: What is “Paskong Pinoy”?
A: “Paskong Pinoy” translates to “Filipino Christmas” and is an annual event organized by MECO to bring Filipinos together to celebrate Christmas, especially for migrant workers who cannot return home.
Q: Where was the “Paskong Pinoy” event held this year?
A: The event was held at Fu Jen Catholic University in New Taipei.
Q: How many people attended the event?
A: Approximately 2,200 people attended the celebration, surpassing the expected 1,500 attendees.
Q: Who performed at the event?
A: The event featured performances by Precious Paula Nicole, winner of Drag Race Philippines, and Filipino singer Angeline Quinto.
Q: Were there any prizes given out at the event?
A: Yes, a raffle was held with cash prizes, including NT$10,000 and NT$20,000 for the lucky winners.
