This was what Consul General Claro Cristobal said as he bared ambitious plans for this year's Independence Day celebration before some 30 representatives of business and professional groups in the community during a meeting on Feb. 11 at the Consulate.

"I want to expose the wealth of the Philippines to the mainstream. Yung pinagpapaguran natin (What we've worked hard for) is not just for ourselves," said Congen Cristobal.

His plans include a march by various regional groups from Central to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, where a massive Filipino fiesta of sorts will be held.

"The things that our people can't do in Chater Garden, they can do in Victoria Park," said Congen Cristobal.

The march, slated for June 13, will be highlighted by a depiction of the various regional festivities held across the Philippines throughout the year, including the Sinulog in Cebu, Dinagyang in Iloilo, Masskara in Bacolod, Pinagbenga in Baguio, and Lantern Festival in Pampanga.

Originally, the plan was to use floats in the parade, but this was junked after Congen learned that each float costs at least $300,000.

The blueprint presented to the group has four core components: housing, education, tourism, and a focus on one particular region in the Philippines.

For the housing fair, Congen said Pag-ibig officers have promised to bring in reputable developers who will offer affordable housing to Filipino workers, while various Philippine universities will be asked to take part in the education fair.

For the tourism and regional fair, famous Philippine-made products and favorite tourist destinations will be highlighted.

Congen Cristobal suggests Cebu as the focus of the first-ever regional display at the Independence Day fest.

The Consulate's plan is to involve all Filipinos in Hong Kong, including the youths. Congen Cristobal said he will look into consulting with various youth groups, particularly in churches, on how best to involve the youths in the celebration.

Sometime after the parade and fair, a Filipino film festival that targets the mainstream audience will also be held.

Vice Consul Joy Banagodos revealed that nine Filipino films have already been approved for screening by the Hong Kong Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, and the plan is to show them at the HK Arts Centre.

Congen Cristobal suggested setting up an ad hoc committee to organize the massive event, and suggested that the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, being the biggest professional group in the community, as the best vehicle.

The group agreed to meet again at a later date to choose the people who will sit with the ad hoc committee and work with the Consulate in turning the Independence Day plan into reality.