Traditional Dances Liven Up Philippine Independence Day Diplomatic Reception

Likha Scandinavia Cultural Group performs the Manobo Dance.

OSLO 17 June 2025 — A collection of dances from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao was the featured presentation during the diplomatic reception marking the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the historic Grand Hotel, joined by members of the diplomatic corps, Norwegian officials and business leaders and the Filipino-Norwegian community on 10 June 2025.

The Likha Scandinavia Cultural Group performed the Banga, Siloy and the Manobo dances. Likha Scandinavia is a cultural dance group founded in 2005 with the mission of educating the Norwegian-Filipino community about Philippine culture through the art of dance.

Guest of Honor and Member of Parliament Åslaug Sem-Jacobsen, chair of the Norwegian Parliament permanent delegation to ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and Asia-Europe Parliamentary Assembly and Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership, expressed hope that the continued cooperation and closer ties between the Philippines and Norway would result to an exchange of Norwegian salmon and Philippine tuna in the market. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Enrico T. Fos highlighted shared values and advocacies between the Philippines and Norway, including cooperation against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, peace process, maritime cooperation, environmental protection and sustainable development. 

The event started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem by a visiting choir from the Philippines, Coro Cantabile, and the Norwegian national anthem performed by Filipino classical singer Edrian Esmeña. Coro Cantabile, an a cappella group from the Philippines, is on a European tour and is currently in Norway for several performances. 

The short program was followed by a reception which featured adobo strips on canapes while Philippine tourism videos played in the background. END 

Ambassador Enrico Fos and MP Åslaug Sem-Jacobsen offering a toast.

Filipino classical singer Edrian Esmeña singing the Norwegian national anthem.

Selected members of a visiting a cappella choir from the Philippines, Coro Cantabile, sing the Philippine  national anthem.

Ambassador Enrico Fos (center) and Madam Myla Fos (center in blue) posing with the Embassy officers and staff and the Likha Scandinavia Cultural Group members. 

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