Philippines and Singapore Toast to 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig shares with the esteemed guests that the Philippines regards Singapore as one of the country’s foremost trade and investment allies. (Singapore PE photos)

SINGAPORE 17 May 2024 – The Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Singapore celebrate 55 years of Philippines-Singapore diplomatic relations on 16 May 2024.

In commemoration of the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Singapore, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig hosted a special viewing of “HERSTORY” Art Exhibit by Filipino Artist Jef Albea, followed by a special  luncheon today, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The events, held at the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel,  brought together esteemed guests from the Singapore government, diplomatic community and the Embassy’s institutional partners to honor the longstanding ties and mutual cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore.

“HERSTORY” Art Exhibit by Filipino Artist Jef Albea will remain open to the public until 30 May 2024. The Philippine Embassy encourages everyone to visit the Art Exhibit presented by Pan Pacific Hotel and Altierra Solutions, which showcase a visual tapestry of womanhood, weaving together the threads of family, career, nature, religion, life, beauty and love.

Using mixed media, such as manipulated fabric on hardwood frames, Jef Albea creates 3D artwork that embodies a woman’s strength, beauty and resilience.

Jef’s artworks have been recognized and sought after worldwide, exhibiting masterpieces to international collectors at the Paris Art Fair, Paris Fashion Week, New York Manhattan Show, and Thailand Fashion Week, New York Art Fair 2023, Milan Design Week 2023, and the recently concluded sold-out “Beyond The Veil” Exhibit at Pullman Hotel in Doha, Qatar.

During the luncheon, Ambassador Macaraig and Mr. Loy Hui Chien, Director-General of the Southeast Asia II Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore delivered toast remarks, highlighting the significance of the Philippines-Singapore relationship and expressing optimism for its continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Macaraig shared that the Philippines regards Singapore as one of the Philippines’ foremost trade and investment allies. In 2023, it held firm as our 8th largest trading partner, the Philippines' 6th largest export destination and 7th largest source of imports. In terms of tourism, Singapore ranked 1st among ASEAN countries for the Philippines' source of inbound tourism in 2023.

A notable presence at the event was Undersecretary Antonio A. Morales of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, who served as Philippine Ambassador to Singapore from 2014 to 2017. In his message, Undersecretary Morales reminisced about his time in Singapore, where he witnessed several historic moments that marked significant milestones in the country's journey.

After delivering their remarks for the occasion, Ambassador Macaraig, Director-General Loy and Undersecretary Morales led the cake-cutting ceremony, featuring a cake bearing the Philippines-Singapore 55th anniversary commemorative logo. END

Director-General Loy Hui Chien and Undersecretary Antonio Morales deliver their remarks during the luncheon to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Philippines-Singapore relations. (Singapore PE photos)

MFA Director-General Loy Hui Chien with DFA Undersecretary Antonio A. Morales, former Philippine Ambassador to Singapore and Special Guest during the diplomatic luncheon. (Singapore PE photos)

ASEAN Heads of Missions in Singapore witnessed the cake-cutting ceremony led by Ambassador Medardo Macaraig, Director-General Loy Hui Chien and Undersecretary Antonio A. Morales. (Singapore PE photo)

The Embassy’s Political Section, led by First Secretary and Consul Joyleen E. Santos and Attaché Ivanah Karla F. Vicencio-Luz, together with Third Secretary and Vice Consul Renee Gayle M. Chua, and colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Southeast Asia II Directorate led by Director-General Loy Hui Chien (middle), Alvin Lin (3rd from left), Sophie Ho (2nd from right) and MINDEF Defense Policy Officer Ms. Ong Qiu Xuan. (Singapore PE photo)

TPB Marketing Director (Singapore) Charles Leong, Altierra Solutions Managing Directors Glen S. Dela Torre and Allan Ticatic, PBSS President Ranvir Kumar Singh and PhilCham Singapore President Benjamin Ong, pose for a group photo with Embassy officers and personnel. (Singapore PE photo)

Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Emmanuel R. Fernandez gave an inspiring message during the special viewing of “HERSTORY” by Filipino Artist Jef Albea, attended by Heads of ASEAN Missions in Singapore. (Singepore PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.singaporepe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg, https://www.facebook.com/PHinSingapore, or https://www.instagram.com/phinsingapore/.