PHILIPPINE EMBASSY SHARES THE SEASON OF FAITH AND COMMUNITY AT SIMBANG GABI IN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND

(Left photo) L-R DCM Ascalon and Mrs. Ascalon with the Bishop of Arlington, Virginia, Most Reverend Michael Burbidge, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Virginia; (Right photo) L-R Mrs. Ascalon, Reverend Father Pete Literal, DCM Ascalon at St. John the Evangelist Church in Maryland.
(Left photo) L-R DCM Ascalon and Mrs. Ascalon with the Bishop of Arlington, Virginia, Most Reverend Michael Burbidge, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Virginia; (Right photo) L-R Mrs. Ascalon, Reverend Father Pete Literal, DCM Ascalon at St. John the Evangelist Church in Maryland.

PRESS RELEASE
WDC-86-2025

22 December 2025

Embassy Press and Information Section

info@phembassy-us.org

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. joined Filipino communities at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Maryland and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Virginia as they gathered for the traditional Simbang Gabi celebrations held on 14 and 21 December, respectively.

Simbang Gabi, a cherished Filipino Advent tradition, brings together faith, culture, and community in anticipation of Christmas. Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ascalon, Jr.’s presence underscored the Philippine Embassy’s continued commitment to engaging with and supporting Filipino communities across the United States.

Community leaders and parishioners warmly welcomed the Embassy’s attendance, noting that its presence reaffirmed the importance of maintaining close ties between the Philippine government and overseas Filipinos. For many, seeing Embassy officials take part in community traditions reinforces a shared sense of identity and belonging, especially during the holiday season.

DCM Ascalon was joined by his spouse, Mrs. Cecile Ascalon, and Consul Mark Lim, and met with members of the Filipino-American community, clergy, and parish volunteers at the informal salo-salo receptions following the Mass.

The Philippine Embassy also extends its sincere appreciation to the Filipino Council of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Inc. and the Fil/Am Community Ministry for their kind invitation to participate in and support their celebrations, for their warm hospitality to embassy officials and local parishioners, and for their continued leadership in nurturing the faith, unity, and cultural traditions of the Filipino community in Maryland and Virginia.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. continues to support Filipino communities within its jurisdiction through consular services, cultural diplomacy initiatives, and active engagement in community events celebrating Filipino heritage and values.

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PHOTO RELEASE

WDC-371-2025

22 December 2025

DCM Ascalon joins the salo-salo (get-together) reception following the Simbang Gabi masses at St. John the Evangelist in Maryland (top photo) and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Virginia (bottom photo).
DCM Ascalon joins the salo-salo (get-together) reception following the Simbang Gabi masses at St. John the Evangelist in Maryland (top photo) and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Virginia (bottom photo).