PH Embassy in Oslo Showcase PH Traditional Fabrics in Diplomatic Reception
Norway-based Filipino designers Mayeth Codoy (fifth from right) and Sabrina Saberhagen (fourth from left) pose with their creations featuring Philippine traditional fabrics at the Philippine Embassy in Norway’s diplomatic reception (photos courtesy of Jesler Nick Alimes).
OSLO 21 June 2024 – Philippine traditional fabrics took centerstage at the Philippine Embassy in Norway's diplomatic reception celebrating the 126th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence held on 12 June 2024 at the Rococo Room of The Grand Hotel in Oslo.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief of Protocol, Director General Tone Elisabeth Bækkevold Allers, was the event's guest of honor.
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., Norwegian Member of Parliament Åslaug Sem-Jacobsen, and Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster attended the event.
Also in attendance at the reception were around 200 guests, composed of members of the diplomatic corps, Norwegian government officials, business leaders, and members of the Filipino community.
In his toast remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos emphasized the growing strength of the Philippine-Norwegian bilateral relations. He enumerated the recent milestone events, including Norway’s support to the 2016 Arbitral Award that upheld the rights of the Philippines to the South China Sea, and the signing of a Joint Communique between the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front for a principled end of the armed struggle.
He also mentioned the recently signed Memorandum of Agreement between the Maritime Industry Authority and the Norwegian Maritime Authority on recognition of Philippine issued STCW certificates that would facilitate the entry of more Filipino seafarers, adding up to the 25,000 Filipino seafarers already onboard Norwegian owned ships, as well as the graduation of 68 Filipino nurses from Oslo Metropolitan University’s Complementary Course in Nursing which will enable more Filipinos to be authorized as nurses in Norway and address the healthcare shortage in the country.
The Ambassador also mentioned encouraging developments in Norwegian investments and tourism in the Philippines, especially in renewable energy, and the 24,000 Norwegian tourists who visited the country last year.
For her part, Director General Allers lauded the Embassy’s efforts in further strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway, and looked forward to more areas of cooperation. She also cited the Philippines-European Free Trade Agreement and entry of more seafarers and nurses into Norway.
She also praised the almost 24,000-strong Filipino community in Norway and their contributions to the Norwegian economy and way of life.
The reception featured a fashion show collaboration of Norway-based Filipina designers Mayeth Codoy and Sabrina Saberhagen highlighting traditional Filipino fabrics such as pineapple, abaca, bamboo, banana, and silk, which have been made by the women in rural communities in the Philippines, with the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute.
In a departure from the usual use of Filipino fabrics in formal wear, models strutted down the runway in wearable and easy-to-maintain dresses, skirts, pants, and tops, which can be used both in formal events and casual wear.
A former au pair, Ms. Codoy is the owner of MYET, a Norwegian brand which specializes in designing natural textile fabrics sourced from the Philippines. Meanwhile, Ms. Saberhagen has been running her streetwear label, Studio Saberhagen, alongside studying for her Masters degree at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts.
In a further showcase of Filipino talents, Norway-based Filipino singer Junel Liwanag and Victoria Margaux Garcia sang the Philippine and Norwegian national anthems at the start of the program.
Mr. Liwanag is one of vocalists of local band D’Good Vibes and is also a tattoo artist with a shop in Sarpsburg, while Ms. Garcia is an up and coming singer who has performed in various Filipino community events.
The reception’s venue, The Grand Hotel, is one the Oslo’s oldest hotels and played host to various world leaders and high level officials. It is also celebrating its 150th year anniversary this year. END
Ambassador Enrico T. Fos and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief of Protocol, Director General Tone Elisabeth Bækkevold Allers deliver their remarks for the event.
Filipino talent in spotlight at the diplomatic reception (from left): Ambassador Fos poses with Misses Codoy and Saberhagen after the show, while Filipino singers Junel Liwanag and Victoria Margaux Garcia sang the Philippine and Norwegian national anthems, respectively.
Embassy officers and staff pose for a photo during the diplomatic reception.
For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.