26 June 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam hosted a reception to celebrate the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Rizqun International Hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan on June 16, which was attended by close to 200 guests from the government of Brunei Darussalam, the diplomatic corps, the businesses and the Filipino community.
Present at the event as guest of honor was Brunei’s Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd.Yusof, accompanied by his wife.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Meynardo LB. Montealegre lauded the strong relationship between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, particularly for its support to the peace process in Mindanao. He also expressed hope for a possible cooperation in the halal industry and enhancements of agreements in the fields of tourism, energy, education, and shipping and ports. Ambassador Montealegre likewise thanked His Majesty, the Sultan, and the people of Brunei Darussalam for the hospitality accorded to the 23,000-strong Filipino community in the Sultanate.
The guest of honor and his wife later took part in the cake-cutting ceremony and was presented with mementos by Ambassador Montealegre.
The event was highlighted with video presentations on Philippine developments and tourism. Filipino cuisines such as beef mechado, embotido, fried chicken with cream sauce, and garlic shrimp were also offered as part of the buffet. Dried mangoes with tourism materials were the giveaways for the guests. END