PH Embassy in Berne Hosts Diplomatic Reception in Commemoration of Philippine Independence
Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Denis Yap Lepatan delivers his national day remarks during the Independence Day diplomatic reception. (Berne PE photo)
BERNE 08 July 2019 – Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Denis Yap Lepatan hosted a diplomatic reception to commemorate the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 18 July 2019 at Yehudi Menuhin Forum Bern.
Ambassador Lepatan remarked that the Philippines celebrates 12 June 1898 as its national day “as it was a watershed in Philippine history when the Filipino people proclaimed their will to be free and independent as a nation. That will never waver despite the devastation and deprivation that the country and its people suffered during the country’s darkest period, including three wars for national liberation.”
He also said that the 2019 Independence Day theme, which is “Tapang ng bayan, malasakit sa mamamayan”, is “representative of the determination of the government to create an environment that will give true meaning to our independence through a secure, stable and prosperous society.”
Around 130 guests from the diplomatic corps, the Swiss government, thebusiness community, the academe, and other friends of the Embassy joined the Philippine Embassy in Berne during the reception.
The reception followed the well-received concert of renowned pianist Dr. Raul Sunico, who entertained the participants with a repertoire of piano pieces, including Philippine classics Bato sa Buhangin, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan and Kumintang.
Guests of the reception enjoyed a sampling of Philippine food such as adobo, sinigang, kaldereta, pancit, lugaw and leche flan prepared by known Swiss-Filipino chef Domingo Domingo of Mille Sens, and Philippine liqueurs such as mango rum, and calamansi, dalandan and cacao liqueurs. END
Philippine dishes such as lugaw (rice porridge) and liqueurs such as mango rhum and kalamansi liquer were featured during the diplomatic reception. (Berne PE photo)
Ambassador Lepatan (fourth from right), Madame Maria Teresa Lepatan (sixth from left) pose with Dr. Raul Sunico (fifth from right), Chef Domingo Domingo (sixth from right) and the Embassy team for a souvenir photo after the reception. (Berne PE photo)
For more information, visit www.bernepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSwitzerland.