27 June 2014 - In commemoration of the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in Dili hosted a reception for Timor-Leste government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, as well as members of the Filipino community, last June 12 at the Embassy grounds.
The Embassy used the occasion not only to pay tribute to the heroes of the 1898 Philippine Revolution, but also to raise the profile of the Philippines.
The event started on a positive note with the rendition of the Philippine and Timor-Leste national anthems by Mr. Angelo R. Salazar, a Filipino volunteer of the Every Nation Ministries. Guests were particularly moved by Mr. Salazar’s dramatic and heartfelt a cappella performance of Lupang Hinirang and Patria, Timor-Leste’s national anthem.
The evening’s formal program ended with the exchange of traditional remarks and toasts between Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Maria Aileen H. Bugarin and Timor-Leste Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Constáncio da Conceição Pinto.
In her toast remarks, Ambassador Bugarin cited the Philippines’ impressive economic growth and restored distinction on the global platform, its consistent advocacy for the rule of law, and the Filipino people’s indomitable and resilient spirit in surmounting unconventional challenges as reasons why the celebration of Philippine Independence Day is made more meaningful this year.
Ambassador Bugarin also highlighted the positive and encouraging developments in the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Timor-Leste. She noted that 2013 was a breakthrough year for the countries’ relations in view of the official visits to the Philippines of top officials of the Timor-Leste Government, namely, Parliament President Vicente da Silva Guterres, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Foreign Minister José Luís Guterres.
The Ambassador underscored the enduring ties of friendship between the Filipino and Timorese people as the catalyst for the further advancement of the two countries’ development partnership. She went on to acknowledge the presence of the first batch of Timorese government scholars who studied in Philippine universities and colleges.
In his response, Acting Minister Pinto shared Ambassador Bugarin’s optimism that bilateral cooperation will continue to broaden and deepen in the years to come. He also said that he was looking forward to his participation as head of Timor-Leste’s delegation to the inaugural policy consultations between the Philippines and Timor-Leste which was held in Manila on June 26.
Aside from Acting Minister Pinto, other senior-ranking government officials also graced the event, namely, Minister of Health Sergio Gama Lobo, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Mariano Assanimo Sabino, and Vice Minister for Higher Education Marçal Avelino Ximenes.
Filipino cuisine was also showcased at the reception. The Embassy engaged the services of Diya Restaurant, the premier restaurant in Dili, to prepare a Filipino-inspired menu. The guests at the reception sampled and appreciated with gusto the complex flavors of Filipino cuisine. Among the desserts served, hot chocolate prepared from the world-class Filipino tablea chocolates from Cebu-based Ralfe Gourmet provided a warm sweet conclusion to the variety of Filipino dishes served at the reception.
The diplomatic reception is in line with the Embassy’s vigorous efforts to enhance the image and visibility of the Philippines in Timor-Leste. END