PH Consulate General in Manado Commemorates 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood
MANADO 24 June 202 — The Philippine Consulate General in Manado successfully hosted a reception commemorating the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence and nationhood at Sentra Hotel Manado on 12 June 2025, drawing over 300 guests and dignitaries from various sectors across North Sulawesi.
In her remarks, Philippine Consul General to Manado Mary Jennifer Domingo Dingal shared to the guests: “In 2024, I have made new friends by name. But, this year, I now consider you my friends by heart. Cheers to forging deeper friendships, creating new milestones, and opening fresh horizons ahead. I am excited for the coming years.”
Among the esteemed attendees was Dr. Franky Manumpil, Third Assistant and Interim Regent of Talaud, who delivered a message on behalf of Hon. Major General TNI (Purn) Yulius Selvanus Lumbaa, Governor of North Sulawesi which included the poem below:
Taman Laut Bunaken
indah permai,
Ke Pantai Boracay
dengan gembira,
Indonesia Filipina
selalu berdamai,
Jaya Selalu –
Torang Samua
Basudara!
Translation:
Bunaken Marine Park,
beautiful and serene,
To Boracay Beach,
we go with glee.
Indonesia and
the Philippines,
always at peace,
Glory always –
We are all brothers
and sisters!
The event was further graced by senior officials from the executive, legislative, and military branches of the North Sulawesi government, as well as representatives from the Coral Triangle Initiative Regional Secretariat, local chambers of commerce, the business and hospitality sectors, academia, the medical field, banking institutions, the religious community, media outlets, local artists, and the Filipino community in North Sulawesi.
A key highlight of the evening was the exhibit of digital artworks by Filipino artist Jose Pio Francesco Prieto-Sacro, which was featured alongside a curated display of Filipino textiles and Filipiñana attire from the personal collection of the Consulate’s personnel, offering guests a visual celebration of Philippine cultural heritage.
Guests enjoyed a Filipino-themed buffet prepared by the chefs of Sentra Hotel Manado, accompanied by popular beverages from San Miguel Corporation. Snacks and giveaways were generously provided by San Miguel Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation, and Oishi.
Musical entertainment was performed by the Sophisticated Orchestra, a local Indonesian band, which brought the crowd to life with a musical journey through Original Pilipino Music, from timeless classics to rock and contemporary hits.
The event concluded with a shared spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect, fostering a deeper appreciation for Philippine heritage and celebrating the vibrant and enduring partnership between the Philippines and Indonesia.
Furthermore, the Consulate General held a Flag-Raising Ceremony on 12 June 2025 at the Consulate General Grounds to commemorate the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence and nationhood.
To set the tone of the solemn occasion, the ceremony started with the Entry of Colors performed by the Office of the Philippine Liaison Officer, namely, Acting Philippine Liaison Officer Lorenz San Gabriel, Jr. PN, Border Crossing Officers Lamberto Angel, Jr. PN (M) and Ramil Diman PN (M) of Marore and Miangas Island respectively, and before the Lupang Hinirang was sung.
This was followed by the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas led by the Acting Philippine Liaison Officer.
Afterwards, the messages of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Enrique A. Manalo were read by Consul General Mary Jennifer Domingo Dingal and Finance Officer Ceclia V. Nuguit, respectively.
The cap of the morning event, Plaques of Commendation and Appreciation and Commendation were awarded to select personnel in recognition of their exemplary service and support to the programs and projects of the Consulate General. END
For more information, visit https://www.manadopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinManado/, or https://www.instagram.com/phinmanado/.