PH Embassy in Oslo Celebrates Independence Day, 70 Years of PH-Norway Ties with Raul Sunico Concert
Aside from Philippine kundiman songs, Dr. Sunico performed pieces of Norwegian pianist Edvard Grieg. (Oslo PE photo)
OSLO 05 July 2018 – In celebration of the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Norway diplomatic relations, the Philippine Embassy in Oslo presented internationally-acclaimed pianist Dr. Raul Sunico in a concert held at Oslo Concert Hall, on 15 June 2018.
The concert was organized in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
The concert was attended by Norwegian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and members of the Filipino Community in Norway.
Guests were treated to the world-class talent of Dr. Sunico as he performed pieces by Norwegian composer and pianist Edvard Grieg. Dr. Sunico also played his own arrangements of Filipino ballads such as “Bato sa Buhangin” (Stone in the Sand), and “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan” (Till the Ends of the Earth).
With the theme, “Pagbabagong Ipinaglalaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan,” Ambassador to Norway Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia remarked that the evening of music was in commemoration of the heroes who made possible the Philippines of today–a democracy, a republic, and a thriving economy.
The Ambassador said that the concert was a doubly auspicious event, since it was also to celebrate the 70 years of friendly relations and close cooperation between the Philippines and Norway.
Director General Tine Mørch Smith of the Department for Regional Affairs, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, congratulated the Philippines for its truly impressive 120 years of Independence.
On its 70th year of diplomatic relations, Director General Smith mentioned that Norway and the Philippines enjoy an excellent bilateral relationship, and assured Norway’s continued friendship for the years to come. END
For more information, visit www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philembassy.no or https://www.facebook.com/philembassy.no.
From left: State Secretary Morten Bakke, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs; Director General Katja Nordgaard, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Director General Merete Fjeld Brattested, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Philippine Ambassador to Norway Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia; Director General Tine Mørch Smith, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Raul Sunico; State Secretary Brage Baklien, Ministry of Transport; and State Secretary Line Miriam Sandberg, Ministry of Health and Care Services. (Oslo PE photo)
Ambassador to Norway Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia, with officers and personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Oslo. (Oslo PE photo)