PH Embassy in Oslo Holds Diplomatic Reception for PH Independence Day 2022
Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos thanks guests for joining the Philippine Embassy in commemorating the 124th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. (Oslo PE photo)
OSLO 17 June 2022 – The Philippine Embassy in Oslo held a diplomatic reception to celebrate the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Oslo Konserthus on 09 June 2022.
The diplomatic reception featured Filipino artists including Oslo-based painters, performers, and a fashion designer, and a Madrid-based flair bartender, proudly showcased the talent and skills of Filipinos, and displayed Philippine culture and heritage.
Featured during the diplomatic reception were the exhibit of Filipino painters Hope Baylon and Ruby Alison, who are trained visual artists from Det Tverrfaglige Kunstinstitutt (The Interdisciplinary Art Institute), and a fashion show of the Filipiniana designs of Mayeth Codoy who is the owner of the MYET brand, a collection of Filipiniana wear made from abaca or Manila hemp.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Enrico T. Fos emphasized Philippines’ commitment to defending its freedom and democratic ideals, especially in the face of various global challenges, and as the country moves toward its post-pandemic recovery.
Ambassador Fos recognized the 74 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Norway, marked by bilateral cooperation and shared values such as upholding the rule of law, multilateralism, a rules-based international order, defending human rights, and the pursuit of peace and development. The Ambassador also expressed gratitude to Norway and its people for being a welcoming host to some 25,000 Filipinos working and residing in the country, and another 25,000 Filipino seafarers onboard Norwegian-owned or flagged vessels.
In her message, Director General Tone Elisabeth Baekkevold Allers of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs´ Department for Culture, Business Relations and Protocol, highlighted the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway anchored on close cooperation in the maritime sector, renewable energy, and the employment of thousands of Filipinos in Norway and onboard Norwegian ships.
“In the end it is the people who put a face into our bilateral relationship, as thousands of Norwegians travel to the Philippines after the pandemic, and as Filipinos continue to live and work in Norway,” said Director General Allers.
The afternoon´s festivities was completed with a flair bartending show, serving of cocktail drinks and Filipino delicacies from Oslo-based Filipino caterers Kui Sina and Pastellhus.
Around 200 guests from the different Norwegian agencies, members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, Filipino community, and friends and family of Embassy personnel, attended the event. All of them were given souvenir bags with Philippine products Boy Bawang (corn nuts) and dried mangoes. END
Around 200 guests attended the Independence Day diplomatic reception which is the first Embassy-organized reception post-pandemic. (Oslo PE photo)
The fashion show by Oslo-based Filipino fashion designer Mayeth Codoy featured modern renditions of the traditional Filipiniana using the abaca fiber. (Oslo PE photo)
The paintings of Ruby Alison and Hope Baylon, both trained from Det Tverrfaglige Kunstinstitutt (The Interdisciplinary Art Institute), were exhibited during the diplomatic reception. (Oslo PE photo)
Madrid-based flair bartender Dennis Adiuba Barela wowed the crowd with his impressive skills on flair bartending. He also served the guests with cocktail drinks using Don Papa rum, a world-recognized Philippine brand of liquor. (Oslo PE photo)
Filipino-Norwegian performers Sarah Bøhn and Carlisle Sienes set the relaxed mood with their soothing voices. (Oslo PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/, or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.