29 June 2016 - Newly-appointed Philippine Ambassador to Viet Nam Noel Servigon hosted his first Philippine Independence Day Reception in Hanoi on June 08 at Sheraton Hotel for the officials of the Vietnamese Government, the diplomatic community, and other distinguished guests.
The theme of this year's Independence Day commemorative activities is "Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong." The 12th of June this year marks the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
In his speech, Ambassador Servigon, who assumed his position on March 08, expressed his pleasure in discovering the beauty and charm of Viet Nam. The Ambassador emphasized the strong and deep friendship between the governments and the peoples of the Philippines and Viet Nam as manifested by this year's celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries, their growing economic relations and the Strategic Partnership Agreement that was signed last year.
The Philippine Reception was graced by H.E. Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and son of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong, as the Guest of Honor, and attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Vu Hong Nam.
In the Remarks of Minister Anh, he noted the significant advances made by the Philippines as one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, and praised the over-all cooperation between Viet Nam and the Philippines since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 40 years ago and as fellow members of ASEAN. The Minister particularly expressed his pleasure at the substantial trade relations between the two countries and their friendly people-to-people relations especially in the field of education and through cultural exchanges.
During the Reception in Hanoi, the guests were treated to a special cultural performance by "Indak Turismo" from the Department of Tourism of the Philippines. The group performed traditional Filipino dances originating from different parts of the country such as the welcome dance of "Putungan" from Marinduque, "Binuyugan" from Pangasinan, "Maglalatik" from Laguna, "Jota Cagayan" and "Paseo Iloilo."
Filipino delicacies consisting of pancit noodles, beef morcon, pork menudo, atsara or pickled papaya, chicken barbecue, buko pandan and leche flan were served together with other international dishes during the Reception, including the famous lechon or roasted pork which was cooked in the Filipino style.
Ingredients for the well-loved Philippine dessert halo-halo or sweets mixed with shaved ice and milk were flown in from Manila courtesy of the Department of Agriculture.
On June 12, the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi organized a simple flag-raising Ceremony for the Filipino community. The Embassy officials conveyed to the community the Independence Day Messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene D. Almendras. The event included a simple Filipino breakfast and a Cartographic Exhibit of the West Philippine Sea.
In Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in the southern part of Vietnam where a greater number of Filipinos are based, Philippine Honorary Consul General to HCMC, Atty. Le Thi Phung, organized another Independence Day Reception on June 14 for the local Vietnamese officials, members of the corps consulaire, business community and other distinguished guests in the city. The Reception was followed by an outstanding performance by Filipino artists from Ballet Manila at the HCMC Opera House.
On June 16, Ballet Manila also showcased their exceptional talents at the Can Tho University Auditorium where they were warmly received by the local residents and students.
The Repertoire featured by Ballet Manila in HCMC and Can Tho City were mainly contemporary pieces such as "Aguila" which depicts the soaring of an eagle, "Arachnida" which is an artistic portrayal of the mating of spiders, and "Reve" which uses the modern music "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica. Ballet Manila also featured a performance entitled "Morions" as inspired by the Moriones Festival in Marinduque and utilizes ethic movements, indigenous music, athleticism and pantomime.
The cultural activities in HCMC and Can Tho City were part of the Philippine Independence Day festivities and the year-long celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippines-Viet Nam Diplomatic Relations starting on July 12, 2016.
Ambassador Servigon took part in the celebrations in both HCMC and Can Tho City and is preparing for the upcoming major cultural exchange between the Philippines and Viet Nam called the "Philippine Cultural Days in Vietnam" and the "Viet Nam Cultural Days in the Philippines." END