05/08/2026
A Grand Finale Worthy of the Journey: Arnis, Likasan and Multicultural Day Closes the Philippine Independence Celebration Series 2026
Some series end quietly. Ours ended with music, movement, and an entire community on its feet.
Arnis, Likasan and Multicultural Day brought the curtain down on the Philippine Independence Celebration Series 2026 โ and it did so in a way that honoured everything the series set out to be: proud, generous, and unmistakably multicultural.
A Taste of Philippine Tradition, Shared Wider
With the generous support of Ciaran Casey, Dรบn Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership, the afternoon opened doors that don't often open โ giving a wider Irish and international audience their first real taste of Likasan, Philippine traditional wellness practice, and Arnis, the country's storied martial art. Leading the way was Grandmaster Ding Llanera, whose Likasan showcase brought centuries of tradition into the room with quiet authority, followed by an electrifying Arnis demonstration and workshop from his team at Combat Systems โ precision, discipline, and heritage on full display.
One Stage, Many Nations
Thanks to the continued support of the Dรบn Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, dlr Community and Local Authority Integration Team led by Siobhan NicGaoithin, the day expanded far beyond a single culture โ transforming into a true Multicultural Day where the world, quite literally, took the stage.
TDOS Events ensured their Sing Mo Na competition finalists , and were on hand to serenade the crowd, while Anna of stopped the audience in its tracks with a vocal performance to remember. The Sangari Tari Indonesian dancers led by brought colour and rhythm with a dazzling mix of Balinese dances, complemented by a striking solo traditional Thai dance by of Thai Irish Community that had the whole crowd captivated. Filipino heritage, Ukrainian voice, Indonesian movement, Thai grace โ all sharing one stage, one afternoon, one community.
The People Who Made It Possible
None of this comes together on its own. Our emcee, 'ConchubhairCheung, carried the afternoon with warmth, wit, and exceptional professionalism from start to finish. Our official photographer, Bobby Devereux, was behind every lens that captured the joy on people's faces โ moments we'll be treasuring for a long time. And behind the scenes, holding it all together, was the FiMuS team: (PR Manager), Margie Madden (Creative Arts), Corpuz (Tala Fusion Dance Trope and Youth Lead), and Hilda Arenas (President) โ whose planning, patience, and heart made the entire series, and this closing chapter, possible.
And to our guests and participants โ thank you. A celebration is nothing without the people who show up, dance along, cheer loudly, and make a room feel like family. You made this finale what it was.
One, Two or Three Last Dance -
How do you close a series like this? Not with speeches โ with everyone on their feet. The afternoon ended the only way it could: with the FiMuS signature line dance, guests and organisers, old friends and new ones, moving together in one last shared celebration.
From "Isang Pagdiriwang" through to this closing afternoon, the Philippine Independence Celebration Series 2026 was never just a calendar of events. It was a season of friendship, culture, and connection โ and this finale proved, one more time, that when communities come together, everyone wins.
Maraming salamat sa lahat. Go Raibh Maith Agat. Terima Kasih. เธเธญเธเธเธธเธ. ะัะบัั. Thank you.
Friendships through cultures.
