PHL Embassy in Beijing Hosts Diplomatic Reception in Celebration of 119th Phl Independence
Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana (right) and Assistant Minister Kong Xuanyou (left) toasted the friendship between the Philippines and China.
28 June 2017 BEIJING — The Philippine Embassy in Beijing hosted a diplomatic reception in celebration the 119th Anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12 at the Grand Millennium Beijing. Assistant Minister Kong Xuanyou of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs graced the event as Guest of Honor.
Ambassador Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana noted that the theme of this year's celebration highlights the importance of unity and solidarity in advancing reforms towards our ideals and aspirations. He pointed out that Filipinos have joined hands in working towards the goals of a more law-abiding, inclusive Philippines.
The ambassador affirmed that the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's State visit in October last year was a milestone that brings tangible benefits to the people of both countries. He added that the President's participation in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May was an opportunity to seek complementarities between the development programs of the Philippines, the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity and China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Assistant Minister Kong Xuanyou said that under the leadership President Duterte and President Xi Jinping, the Philippines and China have entered a new chapter of cooperation. He added that as this year's Chair of ASEAN, Philippines has played an important role in advancing regional cooperation.
Following their remarks, Ambassador Sta. Romana and Assistant Minister Kong toasted the friendship between the two countries.
Ms. Rica Nepomuceno, a Filipino soprano from the Conservatory of Music "G.B. Martini" in Bologna, Italy and from the University of the Philippines College of Music, rendered two songs, "Suiyue Youyou (Chinese)" and "Lupang Hinirang".
The exhibit "Honed in Tradition: Philippine Weaves," produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA), featured various textiles, weaving techniques and diverse patterns and was displayed in the foyer of the ballroom for guests to enjoy.
The event was attended by officials of Chinese Government, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the business community and the academe. Special Envoys to China - Messrs. Carlos Chan, Wallie Lee and Cheng Yong - attended the reception. Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III also joined the reception.
For more information, visit www.beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph. END
The "Honed in Tradition: Philippine Weaves" Exhibit