1R %RWN\UND6ZHGHQ -DQXDU\

Transkript

1 A Happy And Prosperous New Year To All! In the New Year all of us wish peace, joy, and prosperity. This wish can be realised only by living in amity with one another and by respecting the beliefs, customs and traditions of one another. The reasons why we celebrate New Year and some other traditions is because they are passed down from our ancestors. They are the traditions and cultures of different group of people and of course, the main reasons people celebrate New Year is to start anew. Most people like to have new things. I suppose that is human nature for most people. People are excited about new things and they yearn and look forward to new things. This concept will thus apply to New Year. With New Year, there is an excuse to start your life anew if your previous year was not a good year. If your previous year was a good one, then you would hope this brand New Year would bring you even more prosperity and luck. The coming of a new year is a time to look to the future with hope. We make resolutions, develop projects, set new plans and follow new dreams. For Filippinska Kultur & Fritidsföreningen i Botkyrka, 2007 has been another year of possibilities. I personally would like then to thank all those who participated and supported our activities and

2 projects. I would like also to thank all the members for unity, continued solidarity and support to one another as one big family. I hope that the New Year will bring us all peace, health, happiness, and prosperity. Happy New Year! =HQ\ NEW YEAR %\=HQ\$EEDVSRXU$JGDP A time for the new year to reflect On the tasks of last year did I bear some neglect? What did I accomplish? Did my life take direction? Was it down, was it up? Can I look back and smile, Have I learned from the past? Were the lessons I learned Something that will last? Did I give or serve without being asked, No string attached, just rewards in my heart? With those whom I met, did I see and understand their needs? Was I selfish or giving, could a true friendship start and forever last? Could they see I meant true, did my close family know That their growth and love set my heart all aglow. And when looking within at the mirror on the wall, Can I really stand proud, And utter I give it my all? HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!.

3 DFA concerned over Swedish embassy's closure The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) voiced deep concern over the plan of the Swedish government to close its embassy in Manila by In a statement on the DFA Web site ( DFA secretary Alberto Romulo said the closure came at a time when relations between the Philippines and Sweden are flourishing in all fields. "Our bilateral trade is growing, our investments are increasing, and our tourism exchanges are rising. In addition to the economic and consular imperatives, the Philippines and Sweden cooperate on many issues of mutual concern and significance such as counter-terrorism, migration, human trafficking, development cooperation, interfaith dialogue and health," he noted. Nevertheless, Romulo said the Philippine Embassy in Stockholm "will continue to strengthen the bridges of friendship and partnership between the Philippines and Sweden." Last Dec. 19, the Swedish government said it will close its embassy in Manila on June 30, 2008 "After the closure, applications for visas will be handled by another Schengen Embassy in Manila. An honorary consulate will be established to provide basic consular support to Swedish citizens," it said.

4 The decision to close the Embassy is part of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs continuous review of its organisation abroad and assessment of its status in relation to changes in the surrounding world and changing requirements for monitoring and service. This is an ongoing process which sometimes leads to Sweden opening new or closing existing embassies and consulates. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs must also adapt its organisation abroad to its budget and meet the demands for streamlining that apply to all ministries and government agencies. More information regarding the background for the decision can be found on FILIPINO-SWEDISH CHRISTMAS PARTY IN BOTKYRKA Folkets Hus Hallunda, Dec. 22, 2007 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE By Zeny Abbaspour Agdam, chairman Filippinska Kultur & Fritidsföreningen i Botkyrka In the Philippines, Filipinos celebrate Christmas with the traditional misa de gallo, mass that starts nine days before Christmas. Many go to church even though it is early in the morning because they believe that if they go to mass their wishes will come true. It s also celebrated with family reunions and gift giving. For any Filipino, whether in the Philippines or abroad, the Christmas season and the arrival of the New Year hold a special meaning - it is a time for self-reflection and prayer; for expression of love, joy and gratitude and for hope of an even better New Year. Christmas in the Philippines is filled with such warmth and love that we who are outside the country, at this time of the year feel that extra longing to go back - even for a brief moment. We all know amongst ourselves that it is during these days that we, Filipinos abroad, miss our family and our country the most. Although we can not all go back home at this time to feel the authentic Paskong Pinoy, Christmas gatherings such as this event is an example of how Filipinos try to "bring over" and replicate the beautiful tradition of a Filipino Christmas wherever they may be. We all try to regain the sentimental feeling by coming together in celebration. This lessens homesickness for many of us and strengthens our social network which is vital to our living in a foreign land. For the above reasons, I congratulate the committee, all the participants for this generous effort of bringing the Philippine Christmas closer to all of us. Also I want to thank Botkyrka Kultur-Fritid, Western Union & ABF Botkyrka for their financial support our friends gifts & donations for the lottery prizes, to raise funds for upcoming activities and projects. To all who have come and joined us, thank you so much and I wish you all A Peaceful Christmas

5 Av Zeny Abbaspour Agdam, ordförande Filippinska Kultur- & Fritidsföreningen i Botkyrka I Filippinerna, firar man jul med traditionell Misa de Gallo, mässa som börjar nio dagar före julen. Även om det börjar tidigt på morgonen så är det ändå många som är med i mässan för att de tror att deras önskningar kanske går i uppfyllelse om de deltar i mässan.. Julen firar man tillsammans med familjen och man samlas för att dela med sig av sina önskningar. För en filippinsk oavsett var hon eller han befinner sig, jultiden och kommande av det nya året har en stor betydelse- det är en period för att fundera på sig själv, en tid där vi tackar Gud, utrycka sig sin kärlek, glädje och tacksamhet och hoppas att få det bättre i det kommande året. Julen i Filippinerna är fylld av kärlek och vi filippiner som är utomlands, på denna tid, känner vi en extra längtan och önskar att få åka hem även bara på en kort vistelse. Vi vet att vi som bor utomlands, det är under denna tid vi längtar hem mest. Men även om vi inte kan åka hem för att uppleva den autentisk Filippinsk jul, att samlas tillsammans som idag är en exempel på hur vi bevarar den fina jultraditionen. Oavsett var vi befinner oss, vi håller kvar den sentimentala känslor genom att samlas i detta firandet. Detta lindrar lite grand vår hemlängtan och förstärker vårt sociala nätverk- som är viktig för vårt liv i detta land. För alla dessa, vill jag gratulera alla som är med i kommittén och deltagare för denna generös insats att samla oss för att fira julen tillsammans. Jag vill tacka Kulut-Fritid, Western Union och ABF Botkyrka för deras stöd. Alla medlemmar och vänner som donerade lotteripriser- för att stödja uppkommande förenings verksamhet och projekt. Till alla som kom, tack så mycket och jag önskar Er allihopa en riktig fridfull jul! Filipino Botkyrka Mini-Choir Filipino-Swedish Christmas Party Folkets Hus Hallunda, Dec. 22, 2007