Philippine Embassy in Singapore Hosts Diplomatic Reception to Celebrate 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence
The traditional official family group picture of the Philippine Embassy prior to the start of diplomatic reception.
23 June 2017 SINGAPORE — Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A. Morales and his wife Mdm. Shirlene C. Mananquil hosted a diplomatic reception at the St. Regis Singapore on June 19 to mark the 119th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence.
The reception was attended by 400 guests including Singapore officials, Heads of Diplomatic/Consular Missions, members of the Diplomatic Corps, leaders and representatives of the business community, think-tanks and academe, and members of the Filipino community in Singapore.
Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang was guest-of-honour. He was joined by Members of Parliament (MPs) Dr. Lee Bee Wah of Nee Soon GRC and Mr. Tan Wu Meng of Jurong GRC.
Ambassador Morales thanked Minister Lim Hng Kiang, the MPs and all the other guests for attending the diplomatic reception. He cited the ties between PHL and Singapore, particularly in the economic and political spheres, which showed growth in bilateral trade, investments and tourism as well as high-level exchanges between officials of both countries.
Ambassador Morales noted that presence of Filipinos in Singapore is mutually-beneficial to the two countries remains one of the priorities of the Philippines. The Embassy will continue working with Singapore authorities to ensure that Filipinos in Singapore continue to positively contribute to Philippine and Singaporean societies. He then thanked Singapore for its support to the Philippines during its ASEAN chairmanship and added that there are limitless opportunities for further cooperation between the two countries at various levels of engagement.
Minister Lim mirrored the statement of Ambassador Morales regarding the continued growth of bilateral ties between PHL and Singapore and the important role that both countries play in ASEAN. He also recognized the important contributions of Filipinos in Singapore, particularly in the services, transport, medical, commercial and IT sectors. He said that Filipinos are known for being talented in art as he noted the masterpieces of Filipino artists, which are on display in art galleries in the city-state including the National Gallery of Singapore.
Minister Lim said that Singapore will continue to work with the Philippines in the ASEAN community-building process.
The diplomatic reception featured the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in their Filipiniana outfit. It also showcased Philippine favorites including kilawin na tuna, pandan rice, adobong manok, and lechon, which was displayed separately in deference to Muslim guests.
A promotional video of the Department of Tourism on PHL tourism was played after the official program.
For more information, visit www.singaporepe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippine-embassy.org.sg or https://www.facebook.com/SingaporePE. END
Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A. Morales and Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) clink their glasses during the exchange of toast. Right photo: The guests at the reception.