20 November 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. met with the organizers of two different events showcasing Philippine-Mexico historical relations, namely, the Festival Historico de la Amistad Mexico-Filipinas / Aniversario 450 de la Expedicion Legazpi-Urdaneta de México a Filipinas (Historic Festival of Mexico-Philippines Friendship / 450th Anniversary of the Legazpi-Urdaneta Expedition from Mexico to the Philippines), on November 21 to 23 in Barra de Navidad; and the Seminario Internacional: Año de la Fraternidad Mexico-Filipinas (International Seminar: Year of Mexico-Philippines Friendship), to be held on November 27 to 28 in Guadalajara.
Ambassador Dilem, accompanied by the Philippine Honorary Consul in Guadalajara Lic. Martin Camarena de Obeso and Honorary Vice Consul Martha Mejia, met with the organizers of the above events in Guadalajara, Jalisco on November 07. Noted Philippine artist Mr. Manuel D. Baldemor was also present at the meeting. The Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of Guadalajara (CANACO Guadalajara), Mr. Carlos David Ibarra Rubio, kindly provided the venue for the meeting at the offices of CANACO Guadalajara.
The meeting discussed the preparations for the two upcoming events, as well as the involvement of Ambassador Dilem and the Philippine Embassy.
The Festival Historico de la Amistad Mexico-Filipinas in Barra de Navidad on November 21 to 23 will celebrate the 450th anniversary of the departure of Miguel López de Legazpi and Andrés de Urdaneta from Barra de Navidad, New Spain (Mexico) for the Philippine islands. Ambassador Dilem will attend the inauguration, which will feature a flag-raising ceremony for both Mexico and the Philippines.
The three-day program involves several cultural events to commemorate the historic anniversary, such as a theater play and numerous musical presentations. It will also include an academic program featuring lectures on Philippine-Mexico relations and historical influences.
The Seminario Internacional: Año de la Fraternidad Mexico-Filipinas, which will be held from November 27 to 28 is an international academic conference that will feature distinguished scholars on Philippine-Mexico relations, including professors from the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila, San Beda College, University of Hawaii (Manoa), Universidad de la Coruña (Spain), Universidad de Colima (Mexico), Colegio de México, and the Colegio de Michoacan (Mexico).
The seminar will focus on the unique impact that Philippines and Mexico had on each other due to the Galleon Trade and the ensuing cultural exchange. Ambassador Dilem will deliver opening remarks at this event on November 27. END