60th PH-Iran Bilateral Relations Anniversary Celebrated Through “Harmony Across Borders” Culmination Event
Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo (center), Hon. Hamidreza Gholamzadeh, Tehran Municipality Vice Mayor and AMF Sec. General (right), and Mr. Mahdi Norouzi, the CEO of Istgah Orchestra (left), pose for a souvenir photo. (Tehran PE Photo)
TEHRAN 30 January 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Tehran conducted its culminating activity in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Philippines-Iran bilateral relations with an evening of music and culture entitled “Harmony Across Borders,” held on 23 January 2025 in Tehran. Hosted by the Tehran Municipality in partnership with the Asian Mayors’ Forum and the Philippine Embassy in Tehran, the event took place at the Eyvan e Shams Hall, with approximately 400 invited guests in attendance.
The event began with a captivating photo exhibition featuring the Philippines' majestic landscapes and iconic tourist destinations, such as the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the Banaue rice terraces and famous Philippine islands and beaches, among others. Filipino delicacies or kakanin such as biko, kutsinta, maja blanca, palitaw, puto cheese, and sapin-sapin were also served during the event. The main highlight of the evening was a musical concert, showcasing the vibrant cultural fusion between the Philippines and Iran, with renowned Iranian musicians from the Istgah Orchestra performing classical Filipino kundiman pieces.
By bringing together musicians and audiences from both countries, the concert not only celebrated this shared artistic endeavor but also served as a powerful platform for fostering deeper intercultural understanding and respect, allowing the Iranian public to experience and appreciate Filipino stories, values, and traditions through music.
“Bilateral relations have been strengthened through the exchange of high-level visits and cooperation between our two countries in trade, science, sports and cultural exchanges. Indeed, it has been three decades since the highlight of our relations reached its peak with the State Visit of Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos to Iran and the State Visit of Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to the Philippines in 1995. The friendship of our two countries reaching up to the highest official level is a testament to our shared goals of good neighborliness and world peace,” stated Philippine Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo, in his keynote remarks.
The Istgah Orchestra’s rousing performance of ten classical Filipino songs, spanning from 1905 to 1940, offered a rich tapestry of insights into Philippine customs, particularly in the realms of love, courtship, and social dynamics. The concert beautifully showcased the artistry of Filipino composers through the innovative arrangements of Iranian musicians. Through this symphony performance, guests were immersed in the beauty of classical Filipino music which elicited a sense of awe and appreciation, resonating profoundly with the mostly Iranian audience.
This cultural event was attended mainly by an Iranian audience, with distinguished guests from the private sector and key governmental institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tehran Municipality. Filipino community leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from international organizations also joined. END
Concert Hall at Eyvan e Shams Building with esteemed guests from the diplomatic corps and Iranian audience. (Tehran PE photo)
Serving of Filipino delicacies “kakanin” during the reception. (Tehran PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.tehranpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinIran/ or https://www.instagram.com/phliniran/.