PH-Chile Historical Link Recalled During Independence Day Reception in Santiago
Chargé d’Affaires Marcos A.S. Punsalang addresses Chilean officials, members of the diplomatic corps and other VIPs during the celebration of the 120th Philippine Independence Day. (Santiago PE photo)
SANTIAGO 03 July 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in Chile, Santiago marked the 120th Independence Day of the Philippines in a grand celebration held with members of the diplomatic corps, Chilean officials, and other VIPs at NOI Hotel, Vitacura on 14 June 2018.
In line with this year’s theme “Kalayaan 2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay Sa Masaganang Kinabukasan,” Chargé d’Affaires Marcos A.S. Punsalang highlighted in his speech the shared aspirations between the Philippines and Chile during their long struggle for independence.
Charge d’Affaires Punsalang also recalled how Chile’s General Bernardo O’Higgins supported Philippine sovereignty from Spain, and how he established trade with Manila as early as 1819 through the launching of the Compañia de Calcuta.
The Embassy entertained 150 guests with a rendition of the “Singkil,” performed by members of the Filipino Community in Chile.
The Embassy arranged a demonstration of the Filipino martial arts “Kali” performed by Chilean practitioners from the PTK-SMF Santiago. The Embassy also set up a Kali booth where guests were able to view, touch and pose with traditional Filipino knives, swords, sticks and other weaponry.
Departing from usual tradition in celebrating national days in Chile, the Embassy arranged live performances, with organ accompaniment, of the Philippine and Chilean national anthems, sung by Marifel Gervacio and Francisca Jesus Diaz Rodriguez, respectively.
This very successful celebration is one of two Philippine National Day celebrations held in Chile this year. The other celebration was organized by the Embassy on 02 June 2018 with over 400 members of the Filipino community. END
The Filipino Community dancers perform their rendition of the Singkil. (Santiago PE photo)
Kali practitioners demonstrate the use of Arnis with tribal musical accompaniment. (Santiago PE photo)
For more information, visit www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.