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  FILAM

THE PHILIPPINES IS FEATURED COUNTRY IN LOUISIANA MARDI GRAS


Consul General and Mrs. Leo M. Herrera-Lim with Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy
Chicago, IL—The Philippines was the featured country in this year’s Mardi Gras in Alexandria, Louisiana.  Philippine Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim and his wife Fides were given the symbolic “Key to the City” by Mayor Jacques Roy as well as the privilege to be the Captain of the International Float.
Mardi Gras is a Catholic-inspired celebration that involves eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season (which begins on Ash Wednesday) and includes wearing of masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dances and community parades.  The celebration is markedly popular in Louisiana, USA; Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago; Quebec, Canada.
During the Economic Development Luncheon for the Mardi Gras weekend in Alexandria, Mayor Roy highlighted the “shared kinship between the people of Louisiana and the Philippines and the significant contributions of Filipinos in Louisiana.”  The 2010 US Census estimates that there are about 10,240 Filipinos in Louisiana.
For his part, Consul General Herrera-Lim remarked: “I am humbled to receive the designation as the International Special Guest and Captain of the International Float and I take this honor on behalf of our people and our community for they justly deserve this recognition.  They have given a good name for our country by exhibiting values that are much desired—God-fearing, family-centered and source of strength of the society they live in.   I shall tell all those who wish to experience a family-oriented and community-based Mardi Gras to enjoy it Alexandria!”
With the growing presence of the Philippines in Louisiana, the Philippine Consulate based in Chicago, Illinois has conducted an annual outreach service to the State starting last year.

Consul General and Mrs. Leo M. Herrera-Lim with Alexandria Mayor Jacques RoyChicago, IL—The Philippines was the featured country in this year’s Mardi Gras in Alexandria, Louisiana.  Philippine Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim and his wife Fides were given the symbolic “Key to the City” by Mayor Jacques Roy as well as the privilege to be the Captain of the International Float.Mardi Gras is a Catholic-inspired celebration that involves eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season (which begins on Ash Wednesday) and includes wearing of masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dances and community parades.  The celebration is markedly popular in Louisiana, USA; Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago; Quebec, Canada.During the Economic Development Luncheon for the Mardi Gras weekend in Alexandria, Mayor Roy highlighted the “shared kinship between the people of Louisiana and the Philippines and the significant contributions of Filipinos in Louisiana.”  The 2010 US Census estimates that there are about 10,240 Filipinos in Louisiana.For his part, Consul General Herrera-Lim remarked: “I am humbled to receive the designation as the International Special Guest and Captain of the International Float and I take this honor on behalf of our people and our community for they justly deserve this recognition.  They have given a good name for our country by exhibiting values that are much desired—God-fearing, family-centered and source of strength of the society they live in.   I shall tell all those who wish to experience a family-oriented and community-based Mardi Gras to enjoy it Alexandria!” With the growing presence of the Philippines in Louisiana, the Philippine Consulate based in Chicago, Illinois has conducted an annual outreach service to the State starting last year.

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