127th Philippine Independence Day Held in Geneva: From the Spices of the Galleon Trade to the World of Flavors
GENEVA 23 June 2025 — The Philippines proudly hoisted the Philippine Flag on the terrace of the World Trade Organization to commemorate the 127th anniversary of its independence on 12 June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland through a diplomatic reception.
With the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” (Freedom. Future. History.), the Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization and the Philippine Mission to the United Nations built on the legacy of the Galleon Trade, which once connected the Philippines to global commerce. Today, this rich heritage offers a unique lens to promote the Philippines on the international stage—not through gold, but through the spices and flavors that bring the country’s gastrodiplomacy to the forefront of the global culinary map.
For this special occasion, the Philippine Missions in Geneva were honored to host Manam, a renowned restaurant from Manila known for its classic and inventive takes on Filipino cuisine, as the culinary guest of honor. In his remarks, Ambassador Manuel Teehankee expressed that “Philippine creativity is increasingly contributing to our trade and cultural diplomacy. [The] celebrated Manam restaurant has become a modern ambassador of Filipino flavors.”
Led by Abba Napa and Eliza Antonino, Co-Founders of The Moment Group, the featured chefs traveled from the Philippines to prepare special renditions of their signature dishes: Watermelon Sinigang Shot (Charred watermelon, sour tamarind & watermelon sinigang beef broth), Adobong Dilaw (Pulled pork adobo, coconut vinegar & turmeric, garlic confit paste, rice cracker), Gising-Gising (French beans, spicy coconut sauce, microgreens, puff pastry), House Crispy Sisig (Crispy pork jowl & cheek, chicharon, spring onion, phyllo cups), Pancit Palabok (Charred squid and prawn, chicharon & tinapa flakes, roasted shrimp head sarsa, glass noodles), and for the dessert their Calamansi Île Flottante (Baked meringue, calamansi crème anglaise, citrus caramel, candied calamansi), and their Special Halo-Halo.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala joined the celebration and was once again able to sample the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine that she had first enjoyed during her visit to Manila in December 2024. She warmly recalled her fondness for halo-halo, delighting in a fresh serving of the iconic dessert during the reception.
The wooden ships of the Galleon Trade also introduced new agricultural products to the Philippines. The Philippine Mission to the WTO, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance, led by Director Junibert De Sagun, continues to promote Filipino MSMEs in developing innovative food products derived from mangoes, guava, durian, cacao, corn (maize), as well as artisanal handicrafts and jewelry—further enriching both trade and cultural diplomacy.
Way back in 1592, the Spanish Galleon San Clemente also brought Cuban tobacco seeds to the Philippines, eventually making Tabacalera Incorporada the first and oldest cigar factory in Asia and one of the oldest cigar companies in the world. Signature cigars from Tabacalera were featured at the event and paired with Don Papa Masskara and Kanlaon Rums, which had also been previously showcased and awarded special citations at the WTO.
The celebration was also punctuated by a toast to Filipino spirits, featuring the unique and vibrant flavors of Destileria Barako’s Ube Liqueur. Ube’s vivid color and distinctive flavor continue to gain popularity in Europe and the Americas, elevating Filipino identity in international markets.
A rendition of “Sa Kabukiran”, performed by Zurich-based Filipina soprano Elainne Vibal and seasoned pianist Michael Lao Cu, depicted the country’s connection with its nature, the simplicity of life in the farms, and time enjoyed with friends. The Filipino artists also performed Kay Tamis ng Buhay (from Noli Me Tangere - The Opera), Mindanao Orchids, and Rippling Waters (an impressionist arrangement of the Filipino Folk Song Magtanim ay Di Biro).
The event was made possible with the generous support of The Moment Group, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, and private sector exhibitors led by Lourdes Panopio of JAMLA Corporation and Juliet Sanders of Akita Herbal Products, Tabacalera Incorporada and Destileria Barako. END
(From left to right) Malaysian Ambassador and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Geneva Syahril Syazli Ghazali, Ambassador Manuel Teehankee, WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Chinese Ambassador to the UN CHEN Xu during the diplomatic reception held at the WTO Terrace.
(From left to right) WTO Chef de Cabinet Dr. Bright Okogu, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to WTO Manuel A.J. Teehankee, and Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva Carlos D. Sorreta delivered their remarks during the reception.
From left to right) Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Bernard Faustino Dy, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva Carlos D. Sorreta, and Ambassador and Permanent Representative to WTO Manuel A.J. Teehankee.
Left photo (from left to right): Commercial Counsellor Raymond Batac, The Moment Group Co-Founders Abba Napa and Eliza Antonino, and Ambassador Manuel Teehankee. Right photo (left to right): The Moment Group- Manam Team composed of Senior Executive Chef Rhamon Abrantes, Senior R&D Manager Jose Luis Dela Cruz, Executive Chef Reyno Cabigon, and Senior R&D Officer Wenna Siy. Photo courtesy of Ms. Ayessa Bautista (Instagram: @undiplomaticwife)
(Photo credit: Manam Facebook Page)
(From left to right) Manam’s Adobong Dilaw, House Crispy Sisig, and Gising-Gising (Photo courtesy of Ms. Ayessa Bautista (Instagram: @undiplomaticwife)
(From left to right) Manam’s Watermelon Sinigang Shot, and Pancit Palabok (Photo courtesy of Ms. Ayessa Bautista (Instagram: @undiplomaticwife)
Special lechons sourced from Zurich also delighted the guests.
(From left to right) Manam’s Calamansi Île Flottante, and Special Halo-Halo (Photo courtesy of Ms. Ayessa Bautista (Instagram: @undiplomaticwife)
WTO Director General Ngozi enjoying her halo-halo.
Featured private sector exhibitors led by Department of Agriculture.
(From left to right) Brazilian Ambassador Guilherme De Aguiar Patriota, Philippine Ambassador Manuel Teehankee, and Dominican Republic Ambassador José Roberto Sánchez Fung.
Special musical performance of Michael Lao Cu (pianist) and Elainne Vibal (Soprano).
The Officers and Staff of the Philippine Mission to the WTO in Geneva.
The Officers and Staff of the Philippine Mission to the WTO and the Philippine Mission to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva.
For more information, visit https://wtopm.dfa.gov.ph/.