Filipinos braved heavy rains and cold weather in a show of unity and commitment, representing the Philippines for the first time in the London New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP) 2025.
With just over a month to prepare for the parade, 392 participants turned up, led by award-winning Filipino nurses May Parsons, Charito Romano, and Joy Ongcachuy.
“They’ve been waiting for hours, and they’re still here, still smiling,” said LNYDP Executive Director Joe Bone as the Philippines section appeared on the television screen late in the afternoon. Bone, one of the anchors for the live broadcast, noted how Filipinos were still smiling as the parade was about to end. The broadcast was shown on 1,200 TV stations worldwide and watched by an estimated 400,000 people lining the streets of London.
A celebration of community spirit
“The dedication, resilience, and shared purpose of 392 Filipinos coming together to showcase the beauty of our culture, despite the weather, is a testament to the strength of our community,” wrote Barrio Fiesta organiser Erroll Lim in a message to participants.
The parade contingent featured nurses, carers, and allied health professionals from Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, and the charity Filipinos in Care. Joining them were children, young people, beauty queens, police officers, domestic workers, solicitors, business owners, musicians, dancers, and various community groups.
Initially clad in disposable rain ponchos in the morning, participants took them off as the rain eased later in the day. Among the community groups and organisations represented were the Knights of Rizal, Ladies of Rizal (Kababaihang Rizalista), Guardians, Igorot UK, the London Metropolitan Police, Anahaw Dance Artists, and Dubainow Dancers.
Planning for LNYDP 2026
Buoyed by the success of this year’s efforts, the organisining team is already planning to join the 2026 New Year’s Day parade. Co-organiser Robert Young reflected on the achievement, saying: “In just five to six weeks, we pulled all this together, and I couldn’t be more proud of the spirit and dedication everyone showed. Imagine if we had 10 months to a year to prepare — well, on January 1, 2026, we’ll have that opportunity, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together!”
The parade was made possible by generous donations and sponsorships from individuals and businesses. New London-based Filipino restaurant D’Cocina and Jollibee provided meals for everyone. UK-based film and TV actor Valerie “Bangs” Garcia, part-owner of D’Cocina, added charm to an already spectacular event. Sponsors included Jaycee Burgess, House of Musa, Skinfaciality, DME Malongwena, Transfer Go and Access Financial Ltd.
The Philippines section organisers and group representatives attended a reception for all parade participants hosted by the London New Year’s Day Parade officers in London on the 4th of January.
Photo credit: All photos were taken by Andrea Santoni, except those marked otherwise.
