Stronger PH-Hong Kong SAR Ties Highlighted at PH National Day Festivities in Hong Kong
Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel (3rd from right) leads the ceremonial cake cutting during the National Day Reception alongside HK Financial Secretary Paul Chan (3rd from left), Deputy Commissioner Pan Yundong of OCMFA (2nd from right), HK Legislative Council President Andrew Leung (rightmost), HK Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun and Dean of ASEAN Consuls General in Hong Kong, Consul General Ong Siew Gay. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
HONG KONG 24 June 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong marked the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence through two significant events on 12 June 2025, a “Pinoy Almusal” in the morning and the Philippine Independence Day Reception in the evening.
The “Pinoy Almusal”, held at the OFW Global Centre, gathered over 100 Filipino community leaders, media representatives, and members of the Filipino business sector. The event commenced with the singing of the Philippine national anthem and the Bagong Pilipinas hymn, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Day messages of Philippine leaders were presented/read, highlighting the significance of the Philippine Independence Day commemoration.
A traditional Filipino breakfast was served, accompanied by musical performances honoring legendary Original Pilpino Music (OPM) icons such as Mr. Haji Alejandro, Mr. Freddie Aguilar, Ms. Pilita Corrales, and Ms. Nora Aunor.
In his opening remarks, Philippine Consul General to Hong Kong Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. emphasized the sacrifices of Filipino heroes and underscored the special significance of Hong Kong in the country’s revolutionary history. He also noted the importance of Filipino food at the heart of the nation’s struggle for freedom and justice and the evolution of Filipino cultural identity and society.
In the evening, the Consulate hosted its annual Philippine Independence Day Reception at the Island Shangri-La Hotel, attended by over 350 guests. The event was especially significant as it also celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and China.
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan served as the event’s Guest of Honor. Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, President of the Hong Kong Legislative Council; Hong Kong Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun; and Deputy Commissioner Pan Yundong of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong.
The presence of three high-ranking Hong Kong SAR officials underscored the importance the Hong Kong Government places on the Philippines and its people. Around 300 officials from the Hong Kong SAR government, members of the Consular Corps, Filipino community leaders, partners, and supporters from academia, civil society, media, and the business sector attended the event.
In his speech, Consul General Israel highlighted Hong Kong’s historical role in the Philippine revolutionary struggle and emphasized the strong economic and people-to-people relations. He noted the vital contributions of over 220,000 Filipinos in Hong Kong, including the significant role of Filipino domestic workers in the city’s economy.
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the deepening bilateral relationship, noting the remarkable growth in tourism, with Filipino visitors increasing by over 114% in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels. He emphasized Hong Kong’s strategic position as a “super connector” within the “one country, two systems” framework, supporting Filipino businesses with world-class financial infrastructure and innovative financing options. Secretary Chan also expressed appreciation for the invaluable contributions of Filipinos to Hong Kong’s society and economy.
The evening featured performances by renowned Filipino artists such as Nina, Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren; Maestro Nobel Gabasan; Mr. Andrei Reyes; Ms. Judy Honor; and Ms. Lucille Balais Javier. Guests also enjoyed a folk dance presentation of “Paseo De Iloilo” by Ms. Cheryl Pedrita, with participation from Consulate personnel.
The celebration also showcased the “#MadeItInChina” campaign, recognizing notable Filipinos in Hong Kong—Atty. Daisy Catherine Mandap, Atty. Jaerey Velasco, Ms. Melissa Gecolea, Subcontinent Cricket Club Divas, and Mr. Michael Vincent Benares—who received plaques of appreciation, certificates from Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz, and a published campaign book by the Philippine Embassy in China.
Philippine culture and tourism were highlighted through video presentations from the Philippine Department of Tourism, Filipino cuisine served during the reception, souvenir bags with Philippine-made products and tourism brochures, and booth displays of Philippine brands in Hong Kong during the occasion. The event featured a raffle draw of four round-trip tickets courtesy of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.
Philippine companies and Filipino-owned businesses in Hong Kong such as San Miguel Brewery, Cocoa Monster, Pili Planet, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Jollibee, Potato Corner, TINBO powered by PLDT, Solarhands Bakery, The Blomstre, DARA Hong Kong, Arao Jewellery, Yumbles Beverages HK Limited, served as event partners.
The Philippine Consulate General extends its gratitude to all participants and supporters who contributed to the success of this year’s celebration. END
Leaders of Filipino Community Organizations, members of the Filipino business community and Filipino media representatives based in Hong Kong join the Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony and Pinoy Almusal at the OFW Global Center. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
Left: Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. delivers his opening remarks during the program; Right: Guests listen to the Philippine Independence Day Message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Hong Kong PCG photos)
Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. and Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po offer a toast for stronger ties and continued success of the Philippines-Hong Kong relations and the good health of the people of the Republic of the Philippines, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the People’s Republic of China. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
Photo with Consuls General and representatives from ASEAN Consulates General in Hong Kong together with the VIP guests. (Hong Kong PCG photo)
Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren, Nina, showcases her musical prowess during the event; Maestro Nobel Gabasan together with Mr. Andrei Reyes, Ms. Judy Honor and Ms. Lucille Balais Javier serenade guests with their rendition of OPM hits by the late Pilita Corrales; Guests were entertained by the enchanting folk dance performance of “Paseo De Iloilo” by Ms. Cheryl Pedrita and Consulate personnel. (Hong Kong PCG photos)
Philippine brands and Filipino-owned businesses based in Hong Kong join the celebration with display inclusions and samples of their products. (Hong Kong PCG photos)
For more information, visit https://www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/.