Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Nestor Z Ochoa welcomed to Brunei Darussalam last 25 May 2011, the (54) man contingent from the General Headquarters Band, Armed Forces of the Philippines who will be participating in the Brunei Darussalam International Tattoo 2011 (BIT 2011) from 31 May to 02 June in commemoration of the 50th Golden Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

The AFP delegation headed by Col Dinoh A Dolina (GSC) PA, Ltc Julio D Ramos PAF, and Band Commanding Officer 1Lt Theodore C Lumagui (AGS) PA paid a Courtesy Call on the Ambassador accompanied by the Philippine Defense Attache to Brunei Darussalam Col Emmanuel G Cacdac (GSC) PA upon arrival.

The AFP Band contingent expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome given by the BIT 2011 Secretariat of the RBAF headed by Ltc Hjh Wan Shahlimar at the Brunei International Airport.

They also cited the excellent and comfortable accommodation given by the RBAF to insure that the band members will be ready for the coming rehearsals and Tattoo shows.

Col Dolina reported to the Ambassador that the band is prepared for the show and looks forward to another successful Tattoo participation in the country reminiscent of the AFP's participation in Brunei Darussalam International Tattoo 2006.

Ambassador Ochoa announced that the GHQ AFP Band will be joined by the Maharlika Dance Group of the Filipino Community in Brunei Darussalam who together, will present a Philippine Culture - inspired show motivated by the Filipino spirit of "Bayanihan" or "helping and supporting one another".

This is exemplified by the Filipino Community support for the AFP's military endeavor in BIT 2011. Dr. Mark Gapultos, the choreographer of the dance group, said that the Filipino folk dances they will perform depict a "Bayanihan" of inter-cultural sharing with the people of Brunei Darussalam and the RBAF.

The Ambassador added that the GHQ AFP Band will play music for the Filipino Community at the Church of Our Lady of Assumption on 29 May (after the first Mass) in coordination with Bishop Cornelius Sim.

"This will allow our nationals who cannot watch at the indoor stadium to enjoy the band's show", said the Ambassador.

The Ambassador expressed his personal thanks to the dance group members for their selfless contribution to the show, and their Bruneian employers who graciously allowed their respective employees' participation.

The dance group members are teachers, office staff, flight attendants, and community leaders in Brunei Darussalam.

"This is our humble way of congratulating the officers, men, and women of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces as we share their joy in celebrating their Golden Anniversary with His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam who is Supreme Commander of the RBAF", said the Ambassador.

MAHARLIKA DANCE TROUPE FROM THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM