Philippine Embassy in Madrid Hosts Diplomatic Reception to Celebrate 126th Anniversary of Proclamation of Philippine Independence
Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier and Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAUC) Diego Martínez, warmly exchanged talks during the toast at the National Day diplomatic reception
MADRID 21 June 2024 – The Embassy of the Philippines in Madrid, Spain hosted a diplomatic reception on 12 June 2024 led by Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier along with 450 guests from Spain´s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, other government agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, Philippine Honorary Consuls and members of the business community in Madrid.
Remarking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan,” (Freedom, Future, History), the Ambassador stated, “Having a long history of more than three hundred years, the Philippines and Spain share the past, and most importantly, we will also have a path to a shared future”.
“Now is the time to rediscover and further strengthen the relations between our beloved countries, especially in the sector of economy, business and investments, as well as in the field of politics, defense and security.,” Ambassador Lhuillier further stated.
In his congratulatory remarks, Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC) Diego Martínez Belío, highlighted the shared legacy that is manifested in the traditions, language and customs of the Philippines and Spain which also strengthens the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations in the present and for the future.
“On March 10 of last year, after the long period of the pandemic, the bilateral political consultations between Spain were resumed in Madrid. In the second half of this year, I hope to travel to Manila for the seventh edition of these consultations…We are going to work decisively in the coming months to promote High Level visits between Spain and the Philippines in line with the ties that unite us, as well as bilateral investments and trade.,” Secretary Martínez Belío said.
Ambassador Lhuillier and Secretary Martínez Belío led everyone in a toast to the enduring strength of Philippines-Spain relations.
Other special guests included Mr. Dimitry Berberoff Ayuda, Magistrate, Supreme Court of Spain; Mr. Carlos Moreno Blanco, MAEC Director General for North America, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific; Mr. Lorenzo Martínez Ruiz, Director of the Office of the Minister, Ministry of Interior; Mr. Jaime González Taboada, Councilor-President, District of Chamberí; Ms. Yolanda Estrada Madrid, Councilor-President, District of Chamartín; Ms. Paula Goméz-Angulo Amorós, Councilor-President, District of Tetuán; Mr. José Francisco Herrera Anatoya, Director of International Relations, City Council of Madrid; Mr. León De La Torre Krais. Director General, Casa de América; Mr. Alejandro Klecker De Elizalde, Director General, Real Fábrica de Tapices; Mr. Emilio De Miguel Calabia, Director, Casa Asia-Madrid; Mr. Andres Allamand Zavala, Secretary-General, Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB); Ms. Camille Jean Pierre, Executive Secretary, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT); Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, United Nations Tourism and Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro of Barcelona PCG.
Celebrities who graced the event include Ms. Isabel Preysler, Ms. Sofia Andres, Filipina-Spanish actress Ms. Alexandra Masangkay and Spanish actor Mr. Andreas Muñoz Blázquez.
The event also featured a fashion show presenting the designs of Mr. Hector Gellangarin who introduced garments made in indigenous Filipino and handwoven fabric of hablon. One of the highlights of the fashion show was Ms. Sofia Andres who wore the statement piece at the end of the presentation.
The diplomatic reception was very successful and well-attended and was the first reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Madrid since the pandemic in 2020. END
From left to right: Madame Edna Lhuillier, Ms. Isabel Preysler, Mr. Jean Henri Lhuillier and Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier
Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier and Madame Edna D. Lhuillier are joined by the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy and attached agencies
Mr. Didier Tabernero, Jujitsu champion, Consul Monika Kamille Limpo and Philippine Honorary Consul Rosa Esther Agüera of Málaga and daughter
Left to Right: Consul Eric P. Valenzuela, MSgt. Richie Fuerte, Mr. Alvin Bolido, Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier and Col. Dennis Gutierrez of the Office of the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché (ODAFA) in Madrid
Left to Right: Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Dennis Gutierrez, one of the attendees of the diplomatic reception, Consul General Maria Teresa S.M. Lazaro and Ms. Rosanna Matila-Sumala of the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, and MSgt. Richie Fuerte of ODAFA
Filipino fashion designer Mr. Hector Gellangarin, together with Ms. Sofia Andres as one of the models for the beautiful hablón dresses and gowns handcrafted and embroidered in Iloilo
Audience in awe of the wonderful patterns and designs of the hablón and other Filipino textiles by Mr. Hector Gellangarin during a fashion show held at the Embassy´s diplomatic reception
Philippine lechon and paella made a good combination, and were served together with other delectable Filipino and Spanish dishes. Jollibee also provided sample dishes during the reception.
Mr. Dennis Barela, garbed in traditional Filipino costume, served mango mojito to the guests
For more information, visit https://www.madripe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassymadrid.com, https://www.facebook.com/PHinSpain/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinspain/.