On Friday 12 June colleagues celebrated Philippines Independence Day, an event recognised every year.
In 1898, the Philippines, named after Spanish King Philip II, declared independence from Spain after more than 300 years of colonial rule.
A commemorative ceremony takes place each year in Kawit, in the province of Cavite, where the Declaration of Independence was first read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista at the home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, now known as the Aguinaldo Shrine. Besides the public reading of this historic document—in the original Spanish as well as in Tagalog—the first flag raising is reenacted.
The flag itself is a powerful symbol of the independence movement: blue representing truth and justice, red symbolising patriotism, and white standing for equality. The stars represent Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the three main regions of the Philippines. The eight rays surrounding the sun stand for the first eight provinces that battled against Spain.
A celebratory feast!
Nicholas Oldroyd, Chef on board Queen Mary 2, and his team prepared a wonderful buffet of traditional Filipino food to celebrate the occasion. Dishes included Shanghai Lumpia with sweet chilli sauce (Filipino spring rolls), Brazo de Mercedes (meringue roll with custard filling), Tuna Kilawin (fresh tuna salad), and Lechon Suckling Pig with Mang Tomas sauce. (roasted pig with pork liver sauce).
Chef Nicholas Oldroyd with the galley team
At Carnival UK, we have a shared belief that everyone, regardless of background, beliefs, life experiences or physical characteristics, should have the opportunity to thrive and be the best version of themselves with the support of their colleagues. That’s why we regularly celebrate colleague events from across the world.
Our goal is to continue to build an inclusive community where everyone feels both valued and that they belong. An inclusive work environment is one where we are all safer, stronger and happier.