Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines

Pasuguan ng Republika ng Pilipinas

WELLINGTON

11 January 2018

On behalf of the Philippine Embassy to New Zealand it is my great

honor and privilege to convey our warmest greetings and
congratulations to the devotees of Señor Santo Niño, and the participants
to the 2018 Sinulog Festival ! Every year, the Filipino Community and
our friends in Auckland look forward to this wonderful event. It is both
an important religious devotion, and a spectacular cultural fiesta.

The Sinulog in Auckland gives Kiwis a vivid glimpse of the joys of

Filipino culture - our pageantry, dance, songs and food, particularly of
Cebu - the Philippines’ Queen City of the South. Cebuanos are world-
renown for their friendliness, artistic talent and love of live. The
Embassy expects that the event will encourage Kiwis to come to visit the
Philippines and to sample our culture and hospitality first-hand.

The Embassy also wishes to commend the NZ-Filipino Devotees

Señor Santo Nino Trust led by our friends Manoy Oscar Batucan , KR, JP,
QSM, and Manay Miriam Batucan, QSM for having successfully
organized the Sinulog for over two decades. They are truly
“Ambassadors of Cebu” and Envoys for Filipino Culture. In line with
its leadership and dynamism, the Embassy is tapping the Sinulog
Community to serve as “Volunteer Ambassadors” in line with our
Universal Diplomacy, Diplomatic Chamber and VAMBA programmes
for the promotion of Tourism and Business between New Zealand and
Cebu.

See you all at the Sinulog ! Pit Señor ! Viva Señor Santo Niño !
Daghang Salamat ug Maayong Adlaw sa Inyong Tanan !

JESUS S. DOMINGO
Ambassador