Gala Night, Cultural Show Headline Celebrations for 25th Anniversary of Philippines-Iceland Diplomatic Relations

Models wearing Philippine traditional fabrics designed by Oslo-based Filipino fashion designer, Ms. Mayeth Codoy (5th from right) with Philippine Ambassador to Norway and Iceland Enrico Fos (6th from right)

REYKJAVIK 24 June 2024 – On the occasion of the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 25th Anniversary of the Philippines-Iceland Bilateral Relations, a Gala Night and Cultural Show was held on 15 June 2024 at the Reykjavik City Hall.

The event was organized by Philippine Honorary Consul General in Iceland Maria Priscilla Zanoria, in cooperation with the Embassy.

Iceland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir and the Catholic Bishop of Reykjavik Dávid Tencer were the special guests of the Gala Night.

The Gala Night featured two separate but interlinked shows: the cultural show by the Filipino-Icelandic Dance Group and the mini-fashion show by Oslo-based Filipino designer Mayeth Codoy featuring fabrics made from bamboo, pineapple, banana, and abaca textile fibers, developed by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute. It also showcased Philippine handloom woven textiles from Isabela (Modern Enabel), Antique (Patadyong), and South Cotabato (T´nalak).

“All these highlight the vibrant and strong Filipino community in Iceland – one of the foundations of the strength of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Iceland,” said Ambassador Enrico T. Fos, when asked to describe the celebration of the twin milestone events. END

The exhibit boards on Philippine traditional fabrics from DOST-PTRI.

Exhibit materials on Philippine traditional fabrics from DOST-PTRI.

With the guest of honor, the Foreign Minister of Iceland. From left: Philippine Honorary Consul in Iceland Maria Priscilla Zanoria; Foreign Minister of Iceland Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir; Philippine Ambassador to Norway and Iceland Enrico Fos; and Spouse of Ambassador Fos, Madame Myla Fos.

Trying on Filipino dishes at the reception, from left: Philippine Ambassador to Norway and Iceland Enrico Fos with the daughter of IS Foreign Minister; Iceland Foreign Minister Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir; and Catholic Bishop of Reykjavik David Tencer.

The Filipino-Icelandic Dance Group performing the Sinulog and other Philippine traditional dances.

For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.