26 October 2016 – In celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Lebanon, the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music, under the leadership of Dr. Walid Moussalem and in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts, organized a concert this evening featuring the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) and renowned Filipino pianist, Professor Josue Greg Zuniega, at the St. Joseph Church in Achrafieh, Beirut on october 21. 

The brainchild of former Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Mrs. Leah Basinang-Ruiz, the successful event attended by Lebanese government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Filipino community in Lebanon marked a significant milestone in Lebanese-Philippine cultural cooperation. The concert marked the first time that the LPO, conducted by Maestro Garo Avessian, performed with a Filipino pianist in Professor Zuniega, a sought-after artist who has toured all over Europe and Asia, and who was performing for the first time in the Middle East. 

In her opening remarks, Philippine Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa, Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana, highlighted the common heritage the Lebanese and Filipinos share as a people. Ambassador Quintana further paid tribute to the Filipino migrant community in Lebanon, whose presence form a crucial pillar of the relations between the Philippines and Lebanon.

Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Enrik Fort Revillas emphasized the importance that the Philippine government attaches to the strong and fruitful relationship between the Filipinos and Lebanese that has already spanned seven decades. He noted the long, meticulous preparation for the event, and praised the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music for its excellent cooperation with the Embassy and the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts. He also thanked Etihad Airways for graciously facilitating the travel of the guest pianist from the Philippines.

After years of being represented by Honorary Consul Generals, the Philippines first established an Embassy in Lebanon in 1996, paving the way for even more vibrant and dynamic relationship between the two countries with labor cooperation at its core, as Lebanon plays host to thousands of Filipino migrant workers.

This milestone cultural event hopes to lead an even stronger and closer friendship between the Lebanese and Filipinos, which will endure for seven decades more and beyond. END