Kalayaan Ball 2025 Celebrates Philippine Independence and Filipino Italian Relations in Milan
Celebrating Philippine Independence, Diplomatic Ties, and Filipino Pride in Italy
MILAN 23 June 2025 — As part of the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Milan and the Bayanihan Council of Northern Italy co-hosted the Kalayaan Ball 2025 on 14 June 2025 at Palazzo Barozzi in Milan. The event also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Consulate and the 78th year of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy.
Designed as the culminating event of the week’s national festivities, the Kalayaan Ball brought together members of the consular corps, Italian and Filipino community leaders, local officials, and private partners. Among its goals was to highlight Filipino culture and elevate the status of the Filipino community in Milan through diplomacy, artistry, and tradition.
The evening featured a Filipino art exhibit, formal ceremonies led by the Knights of Rizal, and musical performances with Maestro Simone Maria Marziali on piano, accompanied by baritone Joseleo Logdat and soprano Polina Volfson. The program included powerful renditions of “Bayan Ko” and “Ako ay Pilipino” alongside a classic operatic duet.
The featured art exhibit included the works of two outstanding Filipino artists. Mirei Monticelli, a Milan-based Filipina designer and founder of Studiomirei, presented designs that blend traditional Filipino craftsmanship with sustainable, modern aesthetics. Also featured was Richard Gabriel, an acclaimed multidisciplinary artist whose sculptures, ceramics, and paintings have been exhibited globally.
Consul General Elmer G. Cato delivered opening remarks reflecting on Post’s growth and the Filipino community’s contributions. Speeches were given by distinguished guests, including Avv. Verónica Andrea Crego Porley, the Consul General of Uruguay to Italy and the Dean of Consular Corp of Milan and Lombardia, and Dott.ssa Diana Alessandra De Marchi, the City Councilor of Milan, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties and local support for the Filipino community.
A ceremonial toast led by Consul General Cato expressed wishes for the continued prosperity of the Philippines, the health of the President, the unity of Filipinos abroad, and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Italy.
The traditional Rigodon de Honor was first performed by members of the Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista Inc., La Solidaridad Chapter and Milan Chapter. Later in the evening, another dance was presented by members of the Knights of Rizal and Kababaihang Rizalista Inc., Modena Chapter, followed by an open floor for dancing, allowing guests to celebrate and enjoy community fellowship.
Guests also enjoyed a curated Kapampangan dinner titled “Mekeni, Mangan Tamu! A Taste of Pampanga in Milan,” prepared by renowned Filipino chefs Cherry Tan and Vince Garcia who served an array of Kapampangan dishes that were well received by guests.
A special moment of the evening was the ceremonial cake cutting. The Independence Day cake was lovingly prepared by Ms. Celeste de Leon, a Filipina sugar artist based in Piemonte, whose intricate creations have been featured in events such as Manualmente at Lingotto Fiera and the Biennale Internazionale di Sugar Art in Turin.
Kalayaan Ball 2025 underscored the Consulate’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, public engagement, and national pride, providing a dignified platform to showcase Filipino excellence abroad.
For more information, visit https://www.milanpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinMilan/.