Philippine Embassy in Mexico Commemorates 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence
Ambassador Lilybeth R. Deapera and Director General for Asia Pacific of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Fernando Gonzalez-Saiffe on stage during the diplomatic reception. (Photo of the Philippine Embassy in Mexico)
MEXICO 19 June 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Mexico celebrated the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with a diplomatic reception and a festivity with the Filipino Community in Mexico.
The diplomatic reception was held on 12 June 2025 at the Club Naval Norte, Mexico City. It was graced by more than 100 attendees from the Mexican government, diplomatic corps, academic institutions, business and media sectors.
Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Lilybeth R. Deapera highlighted in her speech the fast-growing economy of the Philippines and boasted of the increased political relations and trade between the Philippines and Mexico. She emphasized that Mexico is one of the Philippines’ staunch supporters and partners. She expressed that the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day may be a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Filipino people, and raise hopes to the Philippines’ flourishing partnerships with other nations and to a future full of promise.
Director General for Asia Pacific of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Fernando Gonzalez-Saiffe, was the Mexican government’s representative. In his speech, the Director General praised the work of the Ambassador and the Embassy in Mexico, as well as the economic growth of the Philippines. He applauded the increased political, economic, and cultural relations between the Philippines and Mexico. He affirmed that the Philippines is an important partner and friend of Mexico.
The Embassy featured Philippine cultural dances with some personnel and volunteers performing the Igorot dance, the Tinikling, and the Pangalay and Pangalay ha Patung. Favorite Filipino desserts, puto and biko, were served during the event.
In the evening of 12 June 2025, two monuments and two buildings in Mexico City were lit with the colors of the Philippine flag in celebration of Independence Day. The Monumento a Diana Cazadora and the Monumento a Cuauhtémoc, located at the famous and important avenue in Mexico City, were lit.
The Legislative Assembly and the Jeweler’s building at Mexico City’s Plaza de la Constitución were also lit. The buildings are located directly in front of the National Palace, the official residence of the Mexican President.
The Embassy expresses its sincerest gratitude to the Government of Mexico City for their support and assistance in organizing the lighting event.
On 15 June 2025, the Embassy hosted a Philippine Independence Day celebration with the Filipino Community in Mexico at the Embassy grounds. In her welcome remarks, the Ambassador emphasized that the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” reminds us of the sacrifices of Filipino heroes who fought for our independence, invites us to honor the rich Philippine heritage and identity, and inspires us to continue working for a better, more inclusive, and more just future for every Filipino. She expressed that the celebration of Independence Day should be a renewal of our love for the country.
A highlight of the event was the Quiz Bee, which aimed to revitalize and enhance the knowledge of Filipinos in Mexico regarding Philippine history and appreciate the Philippines’ experiences as a nation. Of course, it would not be a Filipino celebration without karaoke. Members of the Filipino community and their dependents joyfully shared their voices and talents. END
Monumento a Cuauhtémoc lit with the colors of the Philippine flag on 12 June 2025. (Photo Courtesy of Mr. Joeffrey Viernes)
Monumento a Diana Cazadora lit with the colors of the Philippine flag on 12 June 2025. (Photo Courtesy of Ms. Ariadnne Zoe A. Abuloc)
Left to Right: Mr. Ryan Valbuena, Ms. Opalyn de la Cruz, and Mr. Armando Ceron performing Pangalay ha Patung during the Independence Day Diplomatic Reception on 12 June 2025. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Embassy in Mexico)
Philippine Embassy in Mexico family photo during the diplomatic reception in celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day held on 12 June 2025 at Club Naval Norte, Mexico City. (Photo of the Philippine Embassy in Mexico)
With the guests and members of the Filipino Community in Mexico City during the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration with the Filipino community held at the Embassy on 15 June 2025. (Photo of the Philippine Embassy in Mexico)
For more information, visit https://www.mexicope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinMexico/.