Philippine Embassy in Bogotá Holds First-Ever National Day Reception

The Philippine Embassy Team poses for a family photo: (Front row, left to right): Consul Judy Razon, Ambassador Adrian Bernie Candolada, Vice Consul J Mikhail Solitario; (Second row, left to right): Attachés Leizel Fernandez, Ferdinand Camacho, Sheryl Lanon, Orlando Tanso, and Lourdes Morallos.

BOGOTÁ 27 June 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Bogotá held its first-ever diplomatic reception on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, to commemorate the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence.

The event at the JW Marriott Hotel Bogotá gathered together around 200 guests from the resident diplomatic missions and international organizations, government agencies of Colombia, friends from the private sector, the academe, civic society organizations, as well as the local Filipino community.

Ambassador Nelsy Raquel Munar Jaramillo, Director for Asia, Africa, and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, graced the event as Guest of Honor. She was warmly received by Philippine Ambassador to Colombia Adrian Bernie Candolada.

In his remarks, Ambassador Candolada highlighted the growing ties between the Philippines and Colombia, grounded on their shared cultural heritage and common aspirations.

The two countries, he said, are committed to expand further practical cooperation in peace building, agricultural productivity and food security, migration, environmental protection and in addressing the challenges of climate change.

As a response, Ambassador Munar welcomed the opening of the first Philippine mission in Colombia and echoed Ambassador Candolada’s sentiment about the enthusiasm of Colombia to build on the strong relations and explore more areas of partnership with the Philippines.

The high point of the event was the medley of Filipino folk dances of pandanggo sa ilaw, subli, binasuan, tinikling, and bulaklakan performed by the the U.S-based Kariktan Dance Troupe and the heartfelt rendition of the OPM classic “Manila” by the Tuna Femenina Javeriana, an intergenerational, all-female, award winning string band from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá. END

Ambassador Candolada and Guest of Honor Director Munar lead the crowd in a toast to stronger ties between the Philippines and Colombia.

The Kariktan Dance Company wows the crowd with five Filipino folk dances.

The all-female Tuna Femenina Javeriana sings their rendition of OPM classic “Manila” joined by Attaché Lourdes Morallos from the Embassy.

For more information, visit https://dfa.gov.ph/about/dfa-directory/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36201&Itemid=924  or https://www.facebook.com/phincolombia.