Philippine Embassy in Islamabad Breaks the Mold in Celebrating Philippine National Day 2025
Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez after the cake-cutting ceremony with the Chief Guest and the members of the ASEAN Community in Islamabad. (Islamabad PE photo)
ISLAMABAD 16 June 2025 — The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Islamabad marked the 127th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a unique diplomatic reception held on 12 June 2025 at the Centaurus Ballroom of Mövenpick Hotel, Islamabad.
Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez opened the reception with a welcome speech wherein he highlighted the shared experience of the Philippines and Pakistan when it comes to the sacrifices that their people had to make in order to win their independence. He said that this common experience is the foundation of their enduring friendship. Ambassador Fernandez expressed his hope that the Philippines and Pakistan would continue to work together in the service of the common aspirations of their people—for peace, prosperity, and a future shaped by inclusivity and innovation.
Guest of Honor Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Rana Tanveer Hussain praised the Filipino people’s enduring spirit in their historic struggle for freedom, and acknowledged the strong and friendly relations between Pakistan and the Philippines since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1949. Minister Hussain highlighted the growing collaboration between the two countries in trade, multilateral diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges. He also expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, climate change, information technology, and renewable energy.
The Embassy surprised its guests with an exhibition of Filipino traditional costumes worn and presented by the officers and staff, along with some of their family members. Members of the diplomatic corps and the local guests were astonished by the costume exhibition Kasuotang Pilipino (Filipino Apparel), an unprecedented activity in National Day receptions in Islamabad. Through Kasuotang Pilipino, the Philippine Embassy sought to increase the awareness and appreciation of locals and foreigners alike for Filipino costumes in particular, and for Philippine culture in general.
During the event, the Embassy also featured a showcase of Philippine tourism destinations, with a view to promoting travel as a means of fostering deeper cultural understanding and linkages between the Filipino and Pakistani peoples. Guests were also treated to a curated selection of well-loved Filipino dishes, offering a taste of the country’s diverse culinary heritage.
The event gathered members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, prominent figures from Pakistan’s business and industry sectors, and civil society representatives in Pakistan. END
Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez and Mme. Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez headline the finale of “Kasuotang Pilipino,” the Embassy’s cultural presentation for the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Islamabad. (Islamabad PE photo)
Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez and Mme. Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez (front center) in a group photo with the entire Islamabad PE Team on the occasion of the 127th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Islamabad PE photo)
For more information, visit https://islamabadpe.dfa.gov.ph/ or http://www.isdpe.com.pk/.