History, People, Economic Ties Toasted During Kalayaan 2018 in HK
Consul General Antonio A. Morales and his spouse Shirlene A. Manaquil wait with the officers of the Philippine Consulate General, namely Deputy Consul General Roderico C. Atienza, Consul Paulo Saret, Vice Consul Fatima G. Quintin, Vice Consul Robert D. Quintin, Acting Labor Attache’ Ma. Nena German and Social Welfare Attache’ Elizabeth Dy, for the guests of the Consulate’s annual diplomatic reception to mark the anniversary of Philippine independence at the Conrad Hong Kong Hotel on 19 June 2018. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
HONG KONG 04 July 2018 – Consul General in Hong Kong Antonio A. Morales and Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung Kin-chung cited Hong Kong’s key role in the Philippines’ struggle to win independence more than 120 years ago, at the annual diplomatic reception held at the Conrad Hong Kong Hotel on 19 June 2018.
Acting Chief Executive Cheung, accompanied by Secretary of Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong, represented the Hong Kong SAR government, and noted in his congratulatory remarks that General Emilio Aguinaldo prepared for the establishment of the First Philippine Republic while in exile in Hong Kong during an interlude in the Philippine Revolution in 1898.
The Acting Chief Executive also remarked on cultural exchanges, in particular citing the annual Concert at the Park traditionally held in November or December every year at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza.
Acting Chief Executive Cheung concluded by offering a toast to the lasting friendship and more meaningful collaboration between the peoples of Hong Kong and China, and the Philippines.
Consul General Morales also touched on Hong Kong’s historical significance, as national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s place of residence and work from 1891 to 1892 in Central District (now Rednaxela Terrace and D’Aguilar Street), and the place where the first Philippine flag was hand-sewn in 1897 (now Morrison Hill Road) in Wan Chai District.
“Our historical links endure and have developed into a partnership,” Consul General Morales said. “The most visible dimension of this partnership is the presence of more than 226,000 Filipinos. These Filipinos find a temporary home in Hong Kong as they strive to provide a better future for their families and in a sense contribute in their own way to the vibrancy of Asia’s world city,” he added
The Consul General also highlighted the Philippines’ growing interest in deepening the economic partnership with Hong Kong through the high-level Hong Kong-Shanghai joint investment mission led by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, which visited the Philippines from 22 to 24 April 2018.
The reception is one of a series of month-long events commemorating the day General Aguinaldo, the country’s first President, declared the Philippines independence from Spain from his residence in what is now Kawit, Cavite on 12 June 1898.
It was attended by around 300 guests composed of government officials, members of the consular corps, businessmen, representatives from the Filipino organizations, and media partners in Hong Kong.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Commissioner Song Ru’an represented the government of the People’s Republic of China.
Guests were treated to Filipino dishes prepared by Conrad Hong Kong Filipino chef Larry Orias while watching the performances of Hong Kong child performer Yumi Chung, Hong Kong-based entertainer Penny Salcedo, and a Migrant Ilonggo Cultural Dance Troupe.
Raffle prizes courtesy of Genting Hong Kong, Cebu Pacific Air, and Philippine Airlines were given away. Other sponsors were Smart-PLDT Hong Kong, San Miguel Brewery and Del Monte. END
Consul General in Hong Kong Antonio A. Morales highlights in his toast remarks the Philippines’ growing interest in deepening the economic partnership with Hong Kong with the High-Level Hong Kong-Shanghai joint investment mission led by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council which visited the Philippines from 22 to 24 April 2018. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
Consul General Antonio A. Morales and Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung Kin-chung during the Independence Day ceremonial toast at the Consulate’s annual diplomatic reception to mark the anniversary of Philippine independence at the Conrad Hong Kong Hotel on 19 June 2018. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
The Migrant Ilonggo Cultural Dance Troupe wows the audience with their lively Subli and Karatong performance during the event. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
For more information, visit www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/.