PH Embassy Commemorates 125th Anniversary of Philippine

Independence and Nationhood and 75 Years of Philippines-France Relations

PH Embassy commemorates 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence and 75 years of Philippines- France Relations

(Photo credit: Lorenz Castro)

PARIS, 16 June 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Paris commemorated the country’s 125th Anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence and Nationhood and 75th anniversary of Philippines-France Relations at Pavillon Royale in Paris. 

The celebration was attended by the Papal Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Monsignor Celestino Miglore and Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs Director for Asia and Oceania Benoît Guidée, as Guests of Honor. Senator Mathieu Darnaud, President of the Southeast Asia Friendship Group joined the Ambassador and Guests of Honor in the toast. 

In her message, Philippine Ambassador to France Junever M. Mahilum-West enjoined the Filipinos in the audience to “look back and pay tribute, not only to our national heroes but also remember the many nameless faces and unmarked graves signifying the ultimate sacrifice that gifted us the lives we now enjoy today.” 

The Ambassador also mentioned the 75th anniversary of Philippines-France Relations and its significance and the long history shared by both countries which “began as early as the 15th century in the works of French cartographers.” Ambassador Mahilum-West also mentioned that both lunch and dinner banquets celebrating the ratification of the Philippine Declaration of Independence on 29 September 1898 featured French cuisine and wine and had the words "Libertad, Iqualidad, Fraternidad,” France’s motto, printed on the menu. 

In his response, Director Guidée cited France's interest in revitalizing ties along issues of mutual concern such as food and energy security and cited the Philippines as an essential partner in France’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

After the toasts, guests were treated to Filipino songs by Pinoy Jam Paris with AccapElles, a registered artist group in Paris with a roster of around 40 professional and amateur singers and musicians.

Guests also sampled Filipino cuisine and enjoyed “Soleil de Manille” (Manila Sun), the signature drink especially concocted for the Independence Day celebration. END

Toast of Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West and Director Benoît Guidée, as Guests of Honor (extreme left) while Senator Mathieu Darnaud (extreme right and Mr. John West look on.

Photo credit: Michiko Acaylar

For more information, visit https://www.parispe.dfa.gov.ph, http://www.facebook.com/PHinFrance, https://twitter.com/PHinFrance or https://www.instagram.com/phinfrance/.