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PHL EMBASSY IN KUWAIT CELEBRATES 116^TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHL INDEPENDENCE

03 July 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait successfully celebrated the 116^th Proclamation of Philippine Independence from June 11 to 12, with this year’s theme, “Pagsunod Sa Yapak Ng Mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo Sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago.”

A diplomatic reception was held on June 11 at the Al Baraka Grand Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Hotel in Farwaniya, Kuwait. Director for Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  Mohammad Al Roumi was the Guest of Honor. Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Lamberto V. Monsanto and Ambassador Al Roumi cut the ceremonial cake after playing the national anthems of the Philippines and Kuwait.

A short parade of 12 models displaying the work of Mr. Resty Lagare, a very talented Filipino fashion designer working at Lovely Fashion in Farwaniya Area, wowed the guests. Mr. Ricky Laxa of Al Watan News and GMA correspondent also contributed to the success of the mini fashion show.

While the guests partook of the sumptuous dinner, Ms. Christine Torres and Mr. Jummel Carvajal sang beautiful operatic songs. Two (2) guitarists entertained the guests with soulful renditions of Filipino classics. Meanwhile, in the lobby of the ballroom, an exhibition of  paintings by members of Malikhang Kulturang Layag or Makulay were put on display to the delight of the guests and the participants.

On June 12, Ambassador Monsanto, Consul General Raul H. Dado, Consul Jabbar M. Adiong and Vice Consul Shiena R. Escoto-Tesorero led the raising of the Philippine flag at the Embassy grounds. Cultural Officer Maria Alethea R. Nabo led the singing of the national anthem. Embassy and Attached Agency officers and staff, various Filipino community leaders and their families witnessed this momentous occasion. Assistance-to-Nationals Officer Ramon Nerida, then recited the oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag or the “Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas,” which was immediately followed by ecumenical prayers for the nation by Ms. Anne Margarette L. Beltran and Mr. Muamar Mamosion.

Ambassador Monsanto read the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Consul General Raul H. Dado read the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Attorney Cesar L. Chavez, Jr. read the message of Secretary of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.

Everyone was then ushered inside the Embassy to partake of the delicious Almusal ng Bayan prepared by Danny’s Restaurant while listening to the songs rendered by Ms. Abygail Magallanes, Ms. Claire Constantino and Ms. Kristine Dawood. 

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PHL EMBASSY IN TEL AVIV CELEBRATES PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, HIGHLIGHTS DEEPENING PHILIPPINES-ISRAEL TIES

03 July 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Israel Generoso D.G. Calonge led the Philippine Embassy in welcoming the members of diplomatic corps, high-ranking Israeli government officials, Filipino United Nations Peacekeepers, businessmen, members of the clergy, Filipino community leaders and friends at a reception on June 12 at the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv to celebrate the 116^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

More than 200 guests attended the event and had a glimpse of the richness of Philippine culture as Embassy personnel and other Filipino guests came dressed in their best traditional Filipiniana attire and showed the warmth of Filipino hospitality.

The guest of honor for this year’s celebration was Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs Meir Cohen.

Apart from the National Day Celebration, the deepening friendship and growing partnership between the Philippines and Israel in various areas of cooperation were highlighted during the event.

In his speech, Minister Cohen noted the friendly relations enjoyed by the Philippines and Israel and traced the history of this warm relationship starting in World War II when the Philippines, under the leadership of President Manuel L. Quezon, opened its doors to save the Jews who were escaping the Holocaust and in 1947 when the Philippines was the only Asian country to support UN Resolution 181 leading to the creation of the State of Israel.  He also added that the Philippines played an active role in supporting his country through the deployment of hundreds of peacekeepers in the Golan Heights and through thousands of Filipino caregivers taking care of Israel’s elderly.  He further said that his country was glad to reciprocate this support through the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ MASHAV which have provided essential and innovative agricultural training to thousands of Filipino students and through the humanitarian aid extended by the Israeli Government in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

In his remarks, Ambassador Calonge once again expressed the Philippines’ deep appreciation to the Government of the State of Israel, as well as other organizations and individuals, for the humanitarian assistance which have helped rebuild the lives of those who were affected by the typhoon.  He added that this gesture was a testament to the deep friendship between the Philippines and Israel.  During the event, Ambassador Calonge also took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the Philippines, especially in terms of economy.  While noting the increasing cooperation between the Philippines in many areas such as business, agriculture and defense, he expressed the hope that the steady growth of his country, the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people will continue to attract more Israeli visitors, including potential investors in the future.

Towards the end of the program, Ambassador Calonge and Minister Cohen, along with guests, made a toast to the friendship and deepening relations between the Philippines and Israel. 

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PHL EMBASSY IN PORT MORESBY CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY 2014

4 July 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Port Moresby celebrated the 116^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence together with the Filipino community in Port Moresby.

On June 12, several members of the Filipino community in Port Moresby joined Embassy officers and staff in a flag raising ceremony at the Embassy.  Philippine Ambassador to Papua New Guiinea Bienvenido V. Tejano and Consul General Pablito A. Mendoza read the Independence Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario, respectively.

On June 15, the Embassy joined the Filipino community’s own celebration of Independence Day at the Filipino community clubhouse.  Ambassador Tejano delivered an inspiring Independence Day message.  After the program, which consisted of several song numbers and traditional Filipino games for the children, the Embassy team conducted its consular outreach and overseas voters registration.  A total of thirty-one (31) applications for passport renewal and nineteen (19) voter registrations were received and processed.