PH Embassy Fêtes 126th PH Independence Day in New Delhi with Cultural, Gastronomic Showcase
Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio (right) and Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Pabitra Margherita (left). (New Delhi PE photo)
NEW DELHI 26 June 2024 – All roads led to the Philippine Embassy grounds on 14 June as the Indian Government, diplomatic corps and a wide-cross section of New Delhi society joined a scintillating and joyous celebration of the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.
Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio led Embassy officials in welcoming over 300 guests led by Chief Guest, new Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Pabitra Margherita, and Heads of Missions of Embassies, High Commissions, and international agencies.
It was the first-ever diplomatic engagement of the Shri Margherita, concurrently State Minister for Textiles, who was sworn into the Cabinet of PM Narendra Modi barely a week prior.
The diverse list of guests and well-wishers included business leaders, entrepreneurs, academicians, professionals, and many other Embassy partners.
Ambassador Ignacio opened the festivities with keynote remarks extolling the Philippines’ remarkable gains since 12 June 1898, and its steady rise as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, and the parallel extraordinary enhancement of Philippines-India ties across the board. He invited the international community to participate in the Philippine growth story, which is seen being propelled vigorously by the "Bagong Pilipinas" governance platform.
State Minister Margherita similarly lauded burgeoning trade, defense, cultural, and education linkages between both countries.
A toast between the State Minister and the Ambassador ushered the reception into full Fiesta mode and one big enthralling showcase of Philippine cultural heritage and gastronomy.
Guests helped themselves to a generous buffet featuring Philippine cuisine headlined by perennial crowd-favorite lechon de leche, and kambing (mutton) kaldereta. Indian flavors rounded off the extensive.
The cultural program commenced with performances by Delhi-based Filipinas and Embassy personnel of Philippine folk dances: the Maranao Kini-Kini, the Cordilleras’ Banga dance, the lowlands’ Salakot dance, and the regal Kappa Malong or Sambi sa Malong, another Maranao showstopper.
Not to be left behind, Embassy personnel took to the stage with a rendition of a popular Filipino pop song, with no less than Ambassador Ignacio on guitar, to the enthusiastic applause of the audience.
An evening of dancing and merriment ensued, propelled by the vocal talents of Goa-based Filipina singers Ms. Fatima Gaughan and Ms. Meramar Minon, with the backing of Indian instrumentalist Mr. Ashwin Alvares.
It was a proud evening for the Philippine Embassy. Guests were unanimous in their praise for of the National Day reception, which skillfully combined solemn commemoration with inimitable revelry and fellowship as only Filipinos could extend. END
The cultural program commenced with performances by Delhi-based Filipinas and Embassy personnel of Philippine folk dances: the Maranao Kini-Kini, the Cordilleras’ Banga dance, the lowlands’ Salakot dance, and the regal Kappa Malong or Sambi sa Malong, another Maranao showstopper. (New Delhi PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.newdelhipe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/Philippine-Embassy-in-India-348528665275556/.