PH Embassy in Mexico Commemorates the 458th Anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Route
Ambassador Lilybeth R. Deapera (center) paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor’s office of Acapulco, State of Guerrero in celebration of the 458th Anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Route on 07 October 2023 (Mexico PE photo).
MEXICO 16 October 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Mexico led by Ambassador Lilybeth R. Deapera in collaboration with the Philippine Honorary Consul in Acapulco, Dr. Mario de la O Almazán, the Ministry of Culture of the State of Guerrero, and the Acapulco Cultural Center Office celebrated the commemoration of the 458th Anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Route at Acapulco, in the State of Guerrero, Mexico on 07-08 October 2023.
Festivities commenced on the midday of 07 October 2023 with a wreath-laying ceremony at the marker of the Return Voyage (Tornaviaje) of the Galleon at Plaza Mexico-Filipinas followed by the unveiling of the bust of San Felipe de Jesús, the first Mexican saint who entered the convent of the Franciscan fathers in Manila in 1593, and after three years he embarked to be ordained as priest in Mexico.
The bust of San Felipe de Jesus stands proudly among the bust of Jose Rizal and other notable figures whose contributions to science, history and navigation are enshrined in the Plaza.
After the wreath-laying, Ambassador Lilybeth R. Deapera along with Consul Ralf G. Roldan and Vice Consul Marisa Winkler called on the Acapulco Municipal officials who expressed readiness to reactivate the 1969 Sisterhood Agreement between Manila and Acapulco.
The afternoon of the first day of the celebration ended with a conference at the Acapulco Cultural Center with local experts and historians as resource speakers who talked about the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Route focusing on its agricultural legacy to Mexico.
The two-day celebration was punctuated by a four-hour cultural and gastronomic fair on 08 October 2023 that saw cultural groups from the Philippine Embassy in Mexico and several municipalities of the State of Guerrero perform folk dances and music to the delight of the audience.
The Philippine Embassy showcased three Philippine folk dances namely Binasuan, Cariñosa and Tinikling with Second Secretary and Consul Ralf G. Roldan, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Marisa R. Winkler, Ms. Opalyn Dela Cruz, and Mr. Ryan Valbuena as its performers.
In her remarks, Ambassador Deapera emphasized the historic and transcendental relationship between Mexico and the Philippines, which she said was instrumental in the commercial and cultural development of both countries. She spoke of similarities regarding the language and gastronomy, both of which have generated what she referred to as a “solid and natural” brotherhood between both nations. She also confirmed her commitment and interest in strengthening the bonds of friendship between Manila and Acapulco. She spoke of the long history between the two countries, noting all the similarities that exist between both nations because of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. END
Wreath-laying activity at Plaza-Filipinas in Acapulco, State of Guerrero in celebration of the 458th Anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Route on 07 October 2023 (Mexico PE photo).
For more information, visit https://www.mexicope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinMexico/.