All's well with the Filipino community in Bermuda, according to Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia, Minister and Consul General at the Washington D.C. embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, who made a whirlwind trip to Bermuda over the weekend to join in the local celebrations of her country's independence.

"It's my first trip to Bermuda and I love it," she told The Royal Gazette.

Before leaving yesterday, she had a breakfast meeting with Chief Immigration Officer Martin Brewer.

The local community of roughly 600 Filipinos are "doing quite well," she said, and there were no outstanding issues.

"Some of them have married and integrated into the Bermudian community. Most of them are contract workers, a few in the hospitals and in offices and there is one doctor," Ms Batoon-Garcia said.

"They're doing quite well. Originally most of them were household helpers. Some have been promoted to higher positions and we're very happy because they are highly qualified. We're happy that the Bermuda government has extended them visas to stay for work. And some have gotten married and have beautiful children," she said.

"There seem to be no major issues. I understand they have been able to be integrated well enough that they are even able to participate in your parade. And we are happy because we would like to showcase Filipino culture. Diversity is always good in this modern day of globalisation and it is probably best to understand the different cultures who are living in Bermuda. It's good for mutual understanding."

Cultural Affairs Minister Randolph Horton attended the independence day bash hosted by the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda at the BAA hall, along with former Senator Yvette Swan, Shadow Works and Engineering Minister Erwin Adderley and other local dignitaries.

The Philippines declared itself independent from Spain June 12, 1898.