Independent Foreign Policy instrumented in Diplomatic Reach as PH Celebrates 120th PH Independence Day in Doha

 Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Alan Timbayan is joined by Dr. Essa Bin Saad Al Jafaly Al-Nuaimi, Minister of Administrative Development and Social Affairs, H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Bin Saleh Al-Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and MOFA Chief of Protocol H.E. Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro  during the ceremonial cake cutting. Among the Filipino food served for the reception is the Beef sisig in fried wanton cups (photo by Chef Adrillana). (Doha PE photo)

DOHA 25 May 2018 — Philippines-Qatar relations, is based on mutual respect for cultural diversity and religious tolerance.

This was the message of Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Alan L. Timbayan when the Philippine Embassy in Doha hosted a diplomatic reception in celebration of the 120th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa on 06 May.

“This year’s theme, "Pagbabagong ipinaglaban, alay sa masaganag kinabukasan" describes how our "independent foreign policy" has been instrumental in stretching our diplomatic reach and fostering friendship and cooperation with the international community,” Ambassador Timbayan said”

Some 250 guests from the diplomatic corps, government officials, business community, academe, and the Filipino community attended the event. Dr. Essa Bin Saad Al Jafaly Al-Nuaimi, Minister of Administrative Development and Social Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Bin Saleh Al-Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, MOFA Chief of Protocol, were the guests of honor from the Qatar government side.

Michelle Adrillana, guest from the Philippines, who was in Doha for the Philippine Food Festival in cooperation with National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), also showcased Filipino cuisine during the reception. Among the popular dishes served were beef sisig in fried wanton cups, tinola martini, chicken inasal burrito, adobo arancini, lamb kaldereta shepherd's pie and Babyngka (mini bibingka).

The reception also featured the Colors of Freedom Exhibit which was provided by NCCA. The exhibit depicts the history and evolution of the Philippine flag, the meaning of every color and emblem, and the significance of the Philippine flag to the Filipino people.

Another highlight of the event is performance of soprano, Stefanie Quintin and pianist, Jesper Mercado who serenaded guests with Filipino classics Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko, Minamahal Kita, Bituing Marikit, Usahay, Pobreng Alindahaw and Kalesa. They also sang All The Things You Are (from Very Warm for May) and Les Filles de Cadix, a repeat performance from their concert in the Katara Opera House held on May 04. END

For more information, visit www.dohape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinQatar.

Left photo:  Soprano, Stefanie Quintin delivers a mesmerizing performance of Filipino classics Usahay, Pobreng Alindahaw and Kalesa as well as All The Things You Are (from Very Warm for May) and Les Filles de Cadix. Right photo: Doha PE ladies pose with the Color of Freedom Exhibit courtesy of NCCA. (Doha PE photo)