PH Embassy in Madrid Celebrates 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in Concerts Featuring Filipino Pianist Raul Sunico

MADRID 15 June 2023 - In celebration of the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, the Philippine Embassy in Madrid held two concerts featuring Filipino pianist Dr. Raul Sunico at the Museo Nacional de Antropologia and the Parque de Retiro’s Casa de Vacas on 07 and 10 June 2023, respectively.

Dr. Sunico had previously performed in Museo Antropologia for the Centennial of Philippine Independence, and was welcomed back warmly by museum Director Fernando Saez. The event, which was held at the Museum’s auditorium, was attended by a full house of Filipino and Spanish nationals.

In partnership with Casa de Vacas, the Embassy’s formal Independence Day celebration included a concert of Dr. Sunico. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAUC) was represented by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Pacific, Southeast Asia and the Philippines, Gerardo Fueyo Bros.

In his remarks at both events, Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier expressed the need to work together to revitalize Philippine-Spanish relations and encouraged those present to deepen engagement in political, economic, and cultural exchanges and continue to build on gains achieved in previous years to reinforce an enduring partnership.

The audience, composed of Spanish contacts from government and the private sector, as well as Filipino community leaders, were appreciative of the presence of a world-class Filipino talent in Dr. Sunico. A reception at the terrace of the Casa de Vacas followed. Guests were welcomed by a rondalla group that played Filipino folk and Spanish songs to great applause from visitors of Retiro Park. The Embassy served Spanish and Spanish-inspired Filipino tapas.

Madrid is one of the stops of Dr Sunico’s European tour. His performances in Madrid were made possible in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). END

Dr. Sunico performed to a full house at the auditorium of the Museo Nacional de Antropologia on Wednesday, 07 June 2023. He had previously performed at the Museum on the centennial of Philippine Independence. (Madrid PE photo)

(left) Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAUC) was represented by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Pacific, Southeast Asia and the Philippines, Gerardo Fueyo Bros.

(right) The guests were ushered into the reception by a rondalla group that played Filipino and Spanish songs. (Madrid PE photo)

For more information, visit  https://www.madripe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassymadrid.com, https://www.facebook.com/PHinSpain/  or https://www.instagram.com/phinspain/.