By Fariha Aqib
KARACHI: The Filipino community in Pakistan marked Christmas with a display of warmth, color and shared identity, gathering at a farmhouse on the outskirts of Islamabad for a celebration that blended cultural pride with a message of unity.
Families, young people and long-time community members came together under a canopy of traditional Filipino decorations, where music, dance and festive rituals created an atmosphere that felt both deeply personal and proudly communal. The event, organized by community groups who have worked for years to preserve their cultural traditions abroad, was attended by the Philippine ambassador, Emmanuel R.
Fernandez, and the Consulate General, Dr Imran Yousuf. Both diplomats praised the community for nurturing a sense of belonging far from home and for promoting harmony within Pakistan’s multicultural landscape. They noted that the gathering served not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of the resilience and cultural richness of Filipinos living overseas.
Women, children and youth performers took center stage throughout the evening, presenting lively dances, devotional songs and colorful displays inspired by Filipino Christmas customs. Organizers also honored Filipino women with special awards and certificates, recognizing their role in sustaining community initiatives, volunteering efforts and cultural events throughout the year.
Many attendees said the gesture reflected the supportive, family-centered ethos that defines Filipino social life. Beyond the festivities, the celebration carried a deeper message: a commitment to friendship and cultural exchange between Filipinos and Pakistanis.
With prayers offered for peace, prosperity and goodwill in both nations, the event underscored how migrant communities continue to build bridges of understanding, strengthening social ties while keeping their traditions alive. It closed with a renewed sense of togetherness, marking another chapter in the growing bond between the two communities.
