PH Ambassador Leads in Celebration of 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence
Photo (from left) State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Håkan Jevrell and Philippine Ambassador Maria Lumen Isleta
STOCKHOLM 09 July 2024 – Philippine Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta hosted a reception to celebrate the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence Day, on 20 May 2024 (Monday), held at Moderna Museet, Stockholm, Sweden.
The event was attended by over 150 guests from the diplomatic corps, Swedish government, private sector, academia, and Filipino community leaders. Guests of honors included State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Håkan Jevrell; Ambassador Daniel Wolvén, Head of the Department for Asia, Pacific, and Latin America; and Swedish National Security Adviser Henrik Landerholm.
During her remarks, Ambassador Isleta cited the long-standing bilateral relations between the Philippines and Sweden, which celebrated its milestone 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022. She expressed the hope and determination to build even stronger cooperation between both countries particularly in the areas of green and smart solutions, digitalisation, research and development, education, defense and security, and trade and investments. She also noted the similarities in the geopolitical challenges faced by Sweden and Europe as well as the Philippines and the Asia Pacific region.
The award winning Swedish Hägersten A Capella Choir, grand prix winner of the International Baltic Sea Choir Competition and the Euro Asian Dance Group provided musical performances to the delight of the crowd.
Philippine tapestries from various regions of the Philippines were on display to showcase the weaving and embroidery traditions of the country. Meanwhile Philippine drinks / juices such as Don Papa, Archipelago, calamansi, guyabano were on display / on offer.
Philippine chefs and home-based cooks/bakers - Ms. Luwie Pascual and Ms. Letty Simpson were tapped to provide delicious and authentic Filipino delicacies such as biko, mango cake, ube flan and pan de coco.
Guests from a wide range of sectors enjoyed the program and noted that the venue provided a picturesque backdrop - a view of the waters along Strandvagen - for the celebration.
The event also provided a platform to showcase the different UNESCO Heritage Sights as well as top tourism destinations / attractions in the Philippines.
The Philippine Embassy led by Ambassador Isleta, officers and staff with family members, as well as Philippine Honorary Consul David Kristersson and Geneva-based Commercial Attache Clarissa Mae Columna were happy to commemorate this special occasion with their guests. END
Ambassador Maria Lumen Isleta raising her glass for a toast. Photo (from left) Ambassador Daniel Wolvén, Swedish National Security Adviser Henrik Landerholm, State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Håkan Jevrell and Ambassador Maria Lumen Isleta
Guests raising their glasses for a toast
Hägersten A Cappella Choir singing the Leron-Leron Sinta
Euro Asian Dance Group performed a Malong Dance
Sumptuous Filipino delicacies and guyabano (soursop) and calamansi juices served during the reception
Amb. Isleta welcomes guests from the diplomatic corps, Swedish government, private sector/community
Left photo (from left) Consul Pat Lester Solosa, Ambassador Maria Lumen Isleta, Consul David Kristensson, a.h., and Consul General Gines D. Gallaga. Right photo: Amb. Isleta delivering her welcome remarks
Ambassador Maria Lumen Isleta and State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Håkan Jevrell watching the performances
Philippine Embassy Officers and staff led by Amb. Isleta, with their family members.
For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/, https://twitter.com/phlinrussia or https://www.instagram.com/phlinrussia/.