Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Dubai 2022
Known as the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines observes its independence day annually on the 12th June. This year, Filipinos in the UAE are super excited about an fabulous series of events taking place in Dubai to mark the occasion – events that will showcase the rich culture of the country whose people form the third-largest expatriate community in the UAE. Enjoy a weekend filled with food, dances, music and fun! So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best things to do for the 124th Philippines Independence Day in Dubai.
PHILIPPINES INDEPENDENCE DAY 2022 CELEBRATION
Filipino residents in Dubai celebrate their Independence Day by participating in parades and playing patriotic songs like “Noypil” and “Bayan Ko”. Every year various public gatherings and activities take place across Dubai in celebration of the big day, from displays of blue, red and white lights exploding in the sky to star-studded concerts and fashion shows. Let’s get into the details!
EVENTS AT THE DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
Brace yourself for Kalayaan 2022!
The “@EmiratesLovesPhilippines” page, in collaboration with the Philippine Business Council in the UAE, hosts a celebration of the Philippines Independence Day in Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Marian Carella, Chairman of the Philippine Business Council, as well as a number of celebrities, influencers and public personalities, will attend the festival.
Culture presentations, winning performances, a fashion display, creative & musical exhibitions and games are all on the schedule. Filipino actors and artists will join the celebrations, including Piolo Pascual, Jane de Leon, Joshua Garcia, Kim Molina, and Gerald Napoles.
What else? For the first time, an Emirati artist will perform at a Philippine Independence Day celebration in Dubai. Yep, that’s right! Alira will sing some of his favourite Filipino songs and his debut single, ‘Take Flight’.
For more information, follow the @EmiratesLovesPhilippines page on social media platforms. Check out the timings and other important information about the event:
- Entry: Free
- Date: 12th June 2022
- Venue: Zabeel Hall 2, Dubai World Trade Centre
- Timings: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm
FESTIVAL AT DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY MALL
Dubai Festival City Mall will commemorates the 124th Philippine Independence Day in the UAE with several exciting activities.
The festivities kicked off on 8th June with an opening ceremony featuring The Philippine School drum and lyre marching band. The group performed interpretative compositions that originated in the Philippines. Guests were also treated to a spectacular performance by the ever-popular IMAGINE.
Aside from a spectacular four-day show of lights, sounds and water, visitors can also enjoy the Filipino Food Festival, where tasty offerings from the country’s vibrant cuisine will be ripe for indulgence. Prominent restaurants, such as Hen Lin, Bobbie C, and Agemono Express, are participating in the event.
Additionally, the mall features fashion creations by Ryan Pacioles, Harvey Cenit and Beni Dela Rosa. The talented designers have made waves in the Philippines and worldwide.
Dubai Festival City Mall visitors can also enjoy hip-hop performances by the dance groups Pinoy DXB Crew and Elite Force Dancers. And that’s not all – attendees can snap a selfie in the photo booth for a chance to win Festival City Malls gift cards worth up to AED 500!
Here’s a complete run-through of the dazzling performances, delectable dining and immersive events.
FOOD FESTIVAL (Relish in Filipino delicacies)
- Date: 8th to 11th June 2022
- Timing: 01:00 pm to 10:00 pm
IMAGINE SHOW (Awit ng Kabataan)
- Date: 8th to 12th June 2022
- Timing: 8:00 pm
FASHION DISPLAY (Enjoy the phenomenal work of Filipino designers)
- Date: 8th to 11th June 2022
- Timing: 01:00 pm to 10:00 pm
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT (Cultural dances, hip hop, drum and Iyre)
- Date: 8th to 11th June 2022
- Timing: 07:30 pm to 08:20 pm
DINING OPTIONS
From kamayan (dining without utensils) to choosing your own seafood and having it prepared exactly how you like it — you can savour delectable Filipino meals the traditional way this Independence Day!
We’ve put together a list of Dubai restaurants that serve the most outstanding and innovative Filipino cuisine. You’re going to love indulging your taste buds in Filipino gastronomy’s distinguishing flavours at these excellent eateries.
THE DESERT WOK
Up for some delicious Filipino munch? Located in JVC, this cosy restaurant is famous for its delicious, traditional Filipino culinary classics. And the ambience? It’s even better!
Their Philipines Independence Day deal includes vegetable fried wonton and vegetable Hakka noodles. You can try double dragon chicken, beef pepper crushed garlic, sweet and sour chicken and Szechuan beef – specially crafted for the occasion.
That’s not all….order any of their Kalayaan 22 Meals and you’ll be entered into a raffle that could win you a tour to Armenia or Georgia. Awesome, isn’t it!
- Promo period: Till 12th June (dine-in only)
- Price: AED 22
- Contact: +971-4-447-5022 | +971-55-826-4389
- Location: Jumeirah Village Circle
PALUTO RESTAURANT
Visit Paluto Restaurant for their Philippines Day 2022 celebration and enjoy deliciously authentic dishes. Boy Logro, a chef whose cooking skills are beyond any doubt, works his magic in the kitchen to bring outstanding cuisine to your table. The Independence Day deal at Paluto includes grilled chicken with rice, singang na hipon, baked mussels and much more.
- Promo period: Till 12th June (dine-in only)
- Price: AED 22
- Contact: +971-4-447-5022 | +971-55-826-4389
- Location: Waterfront Market Dera Corniche
JOY BUBBLE MILK TEA
Buy Buko Pandan Milk Tea or Ube Milk Tea and you’ll get a complimentary boba bun bread! You can also enter a raffle and get a chance to win a free return flight and tours to Georgia/Armenia. Wait, there’s more! The lucky winner will also get a free four-day, three-night hotel stay and airport transfers…now that’s what we call a great deal!
- Promo period: Till 12th June (dine-in only)
- Price: AED 22
- Contact: +971-50-860-1821
- Location: 314 Damascus Street – Al Qusais Industrial Area
HENLIN UAE
One of the UAE’s top budget-friendly dim sum restaurants, Henlin are going big and tasty for Philippines Independence Day 2022. This popular restaurant has a special Kalayaan 22 Pinoy Meal on offer, with dishes including chicken barbeque, beef tapa and Daing Na Bangus.
- Promo period: Till 12th June (dine-in only)
- Price: AED 16 per dish
- Contact: +971-56-504-6133 (Diera branch)
- Location: Al Rigga Road, Deira | Satwa
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE BEST AREAS FOR FILIPINOS TO LIVE IN DUBAI?
Al Nahda, Bur Dubai, International City, and Al Karama are some of the most popular areas for Filipinos residing in Dubai, with a wide range of flats available at affordable rental rates.
WHAT ARE THE BEST FILIPINO RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI?
Aside from the eateries mentioned above, there are a vast list of popular Filipino restaurants to try in Dubai.
And that’s a wrap on our guide to events and activities on Philippines Independence Day in Dubai. Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!
If you’re planning a celebratory dinner at home, you can get all the authentic ingredients you’re looking for from these Filipino Supermarkets in Dubai.
