– Ross Belle Santos-Balatbat
The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) Office in Macau organized “Paskong Handog 2019” (Christmas Tribute 2019) at the Sofitel Hotel, last Sunday, 01 December.
Participation in the event has been growing the past few years. This time, over 600 Filipinos packed the function hall. Many churchgoers at Saint Augustine who do not belong to any Filipino organization were surprised about the gathering. They were not aware that every year, the PCG has been hosting this event every first Sunday of December.
The organizing body welcomed overseas Filipinos with plenty of surprises, giveaways, and raffle prizes. The camaraderie of Filipinos somehow showed the Christmas spirit – celebrating the birthday of the Lord – and helped address the homesickness that challenges every overseas Filipino worker.
Mr Philip Yuen, Service Director of Caritas de Macau, gave an inspirational talk. Honorable Labor Attache Nene German also encouraged the attendees to help the Philippine government in the legal documentation of their working status in Macau.
Consul General Lilybeth Deapera explained that the annual Pre-Christmas Party is regularly scheduled every first Sunday of December as many members of the Filipino community go back home before Christmas Day and many migrant groups and associations are also set to hold their own Christmas parties.
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