PH Embassy in Tehran Hosts Diplomatic Reception in Celebration of 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence
Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo and Madame Sepideh Taghian, with the officers, staff, and dependents of the Philippine Embassy in Tehran, at the 127th Independence Day Celebration. (Tehran PE photo)
TEHRAN 17 July 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Tehran hosted a diplomatic reception to celebrate the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence on 12 June 2025 at the Chancery’s Social Hall.
The reception was attended by Mr. Ali Ashgar Mohammadi, Director General for Asia-Pacific (Oceania) of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials from the Tehran Municipality, ambassadors and representatives from the diplomatic corps, Filipino community leaders, and members of the private sector and travel industry.
The program opened with the Embassy’s formal launch of the Department of Tourism’s latest campaign, featuring the music video “Love the Philippines”, which promotes the country’s diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and top tourist destinations.
A recorded message from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was then presented, followed by a keynote address delivered by Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo. In his remarks, Ambassador Manalo underscored the event’s theme, “Love the Philippines’ History, Culture, and Tourism,” and expressed gratitude to Iranian guests who have interests in doing business and tourism in the Philippines. He also highlighted the historical ties between the Philippines and Iran, paying tribute to Iranian scholars who have contributed to Philippine studies in Persian, including former Iranian Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Raeisi and Iranian Cultural Officer Drs. Mohammad Jafari Malak and Madame Tandis Taghavi. The Ambassador further honored Aurora A. Batara, a Filipino doctor revered as a martyr in Dezful City during the Sacred Defense war, reflecting the enduring bonds forged through shared history and sacrifice.
Concluding his speech, Ambassador Manalo urged representatives from the travel and tourism sectors to actively consider including the Philippines in their destination offerings. He highlighted the country’s vast array of over 7,600 islands, world-class resorts, and rich cultural heritage, inviting Iranian guests to experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality.
Ambassador Manalo emphasized that the Philippines welcomes visitors with open arms, promising genuine kindness, excellent cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.
The highlight of the program was a cultural presentation showcasing the Filipiniana ladies’ wear and gentleman’s Barong Tagalog, modeled by Iranian and Filipino-Iranian personalities, accompanied by a violin rendition of “Marilag,” a contemporary Filipino love song by Dionela, performed by an Iranian violinist from the Istgah Orchestra. The presentation emphasized the traditional Filipino attire as enduring symbols of Filipino cultural identity and illustrated the shared appreciation for the arts between the Philippines and Iran.
With over 170 attendees, the reception featured a curated selection of Filipino cuisine—including lumpiang togue, empanadas, assorted kakanin, and chicken adobo—complemented by contemporary Persian and European dishes.
To remember the occasion, each guest received a souvenir gift bag containing a notebook featuring the historic Murillo Velarde Map on its cover and a 2025-2026 Persian calendar with imagery of the Barong Tagalog. These tokens symbolize the cultural heritage of the Philippines and the Embassy’s commitment to fostering bilateral cultural exchange. END
Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo delivers his keynote message during the 127th Philippine Independence Day Celebration at the Philippine Embassy in Tehran. (Tehran PE photo)
Mr. Ali Ashgar Mohammadi, Director General for Asia-Pacific (Oceania) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran gave his message as the guest of honor. (Tehran PE photo)
The CEO and representative of the Istgah Orchestra with Iranian and Filipino-Iranian models featured in the Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog cultural presentation. (Tehran PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.tehranpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinIran/ or https://www.instagram.com/phliniran/.