Hundreds of Pinoys in Israel gather for traditional Santacruzan

The Philippine Embassy in Israel leads the procession of 31 Filipino community groups and their floral arches at the Hayarkon Park, Tel Aviv during the Santacruzan.  
Over 400 Filipinos in Israel gathered at the Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv on May 1 for the traditional Flores de Mayo or Santacruzan, complete with floral arches and the "sagalas" and "consortes" in Filipiniana attire and gowns.
At least 31 Filipino organizations participated in the event, according to the Philippine Embassy, which led the celebration.
"Flores de Mayo, also known as the Santacruzan, is one of the biggest cultural events of the Embassy together with the Filipino community in Israel," the embassy said in a statement Wednesday.
It said 33 "sagalas" and "consortes" dressed in Filipiniana attire and gowns paraded with colorful floral arches, "giving guests and locals a glimpse of one of the Philippines' biggest, most colorful, and longest festivals."
Spectators and guests were treated to songs and dances, with Rose "Osang" Fostanes, Filipina caregiver who was X Factor Israel's grand champion in 2014, leading the list of performers.
One highlight of the event was the duet between Fostanes and Israeli singer Tal Kravitz on "Dahil Sa 'Yo."

X Factor Israel Grand Champion Rose 'Osang' Fostanes and Israeli singer Tal Kravitz.

During the event, the embassy also lauded the contributions of Filipino workers around the world to the Philippine economy.
The Labor Day theme this year, "Kinabukasan Sigurado sa Disenteng Trabaho", inspired many Filipino community organizations in coming up with slogan entries for the Best Slogan Award. 
The winning entry was by Online Radio Phil-Isra Community with their catchy and meaningful slogan: "Marangal na trabaho ikaaangat ng bayan ko, Taas noo Pilipino."
Ambassador Imperial encouraged the Filipino workers in Israel to continue with their good work and preserve traditional Filipino values in their homes in order to succeed in their endeavors, help their families and the country, and promote a good image of the Philippines in Israel.
Towards the end of the program, plaques of appreciation and other special awards were given to recognize the efforts of the Filipino organizations participating in the event. 
Ambassador Neal Imperial read the Labor Day message of President Benigno Aquino III, while  Labor Attache Rodolfo Gabasan read the message of Labor Secretary Rosalinda  Baldoz. —KBK, GMA News

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