The Philippines will be represented for the first time in the iconic London New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP) on 1st January 2025. At least 300 participants led by distinguished Filipino nurse May Parsons will join the parade.
Some 500,000 people are expected to line the streets around the parade route to watch at least 10,000 participants from around the world. The annual parade is seen by 500 million TV viewers.
The goal of participating in the parade is to raise Filipinos’ visibility in Britain and highlight their contributions as a community. There are at least 200,000 Filipinos in the UK, many of them working in the healthcare sector as nurses, allied health professionals and carers. Many also work in accountancy, hospitality, engineering, technology, transportation, and other key sectors.
The Filipino participation is being organised by Filipino British entrepreneur and Londoner, Erroll Isip. “Where are the Filipinos in the UK?”, Mr Isip recalled being asked by one of his British friends at a business gathering a couple of years ago. A London resident for the past 35 years, he realised that Filipinos are not often seen in national events such as the LNYDP.
In March 2024, Mr Isip applied to participate in the parade and was delighted when it was approved. “We would like to showcase our rich history and diverse culture for everyone to enjoy”, he said.
Viewers will be treated to the sound of gongs by Igorots in north Luzon, the vibrant costumes of Sinukwan dancers of Pampanga, and the colourful masks of MassKara dancers of Bacolod down south in the Visayas.
Charito Romano, recipient of the British Empire Medal in 2021 for her outstanding work during Covid, has taken the lead in organising attendees in healthcare. “I was amazed at the response of Filipino nurses and carers. We even have colleagues coming from Wales to join the parade”, said Ms Romano, currently deputy manager at Arbrook House in Surrey.
Around 45 healthcare staff will be participating in the parade. They include May Parsons who, together with NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard, received the George Cross, the highest civilian award for heroism, on behalf of the NHS for the courage and dedication of its staff during Covid in 2022. She also administered the first Covid vaccine outside of clinical trials in 2021. Fellow outstanding nurse, Joy Ongcachuy will also be there. She was awarded Officer of the British Empire in 2018 for treating victims of the London Bridge terrorist attack.
At the front of the parade is “Gigi”, a purple jeepney modelled after the American military jeepneys used during World War II in the Philippines. Owned by British-born Filipina jeweller Jaycee De Leon Burgess, the jeep’s colour is inspired by yam or ube, a beloved cake and ice cream flavour among Filipinos.
Followers of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal will be flag bearers. Ronald Sipat, area commander for the Knights of Rizal (UK and Ireland), said, “It is a great honour and privilege to have been given the rare opportunity to carry the flag of the Philippines in this milestone and historic event”.
The Philippines section will showcase the talents and skills of Filipinos in Britain. Miss Philippines UK 2024 Ma Athasia Allaine Turaray, other beauty queens and models will be on the parade truck.
Filipino officers of the Metropolitan Police, solicitors and young people will also be taking part. Domestic workers, whose contributions to supporting British families are not often recognised, are also joining the event.
The Philippines’ beloved fast food chain mascot, Jollibee, will be cheering the participants and waving to the crowds.
Filipino musicians will be giving a live performance while members of the LGBTQ+ and businesses will also be represented at the event.
The parade will start at Piccadilly at 12 noon and end at Westminster at 3:30 in the afternoon.
