A GROUP which aims to help overseas workers feel more at home in Oxford will be hosting a day of celebrations this weekend.
The Fillipino Community of Oxfordshire will mark the Philippines Independence Day with a special church service at Corpus Christi followed by a parade from Manor Surgery in Headington to Tingewick Hall at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Attendees will then enjoy a lunch and a Filipino cultural show.
Special guests include deputy lieutenant of Oxfordshire Iman Monawar Hussein MBE, consul general at the Philippine Embassy in London Senen Mangalile, and Lord Mayor of Oxford, Colin Cook.
The Filipino Community of Oxfordshire was founded by Oxford University Hospitals worker Ariel Lanada who moved to Oxford in 2002.
Initially formed to allow the OUH’s Filipino staff to meet up, the group has now expanded and is open to anyone who is struggling to integrate.
Mr Lanada, said: “We organise all kinds of events to promote friendship, unity, and camaraderie.
“This particular event is always a highlight in our calendar, and we want Filipino people in the county to know that we’re here for support and advice.”
“We’re not just here for Filipino people, though – we can help anyone who feels like they don’t belong, or people who are struggling to integrate into their local area.”
For more information on the group or to attend the celebrations email chairman@filcomoxford.org.uk
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