BANGKOK, 12 June 2019 - The Philippine Embassy hosted a Diplomatic Reception at The Peninsula Bangkok on 12 June 2019 to celebrate the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, as well as the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Thailand, which falls on 14 June.
Key Thai government officials graced the twin commemoration, most notably Privy Councilor Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya (and spouse Thanphuying Oranush Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya) and Foreign Minister Don Pramuwidnai. Also present were Ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, prominent Thai business people, officials from international organizations in Bangkok, as well as guests from the academe, media and the Filipino community.
In her speech, Ambassador Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon underlined this year’s Independence Day theme, “Kalayaan 2019: Courage of the Nation, Compassion for the People,” citing the pro-poor legislative agenda and programs of the Philippine Government under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. She also highlighted the warm and friendly relations between the Philippines and Thailand these past 70 years, which has been sustained by the exchanges of high-level visits, including those by His Majesty King Bhumibol the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother to the Philippines in 1963 and, more recently, President Duterte’s state visit to Thailand in 2017. Ambassador Aragon also took the opportunity to commend the Filipino community in Thailand for their hard work, compassion in helping others in need, and for supporting the Philippine Government’s initiatives through the Philippine Embassy.
To lend Filipino authenticity to the fiesta fare, The Peninsula Bangkok flew in Chef Oliver Mendoza from The Peninsula Hotel Manila. Guests obviously appreciated the extra effort, heartily partaking of the genuine Kilawing Tuna, Lumpiang Ubod, Chicken Inasal, Lechon Belly, Pancit Bihon, mango ice cream among others, chased down with ice-cold San Miguel beer.
The cultural program featured Bangkok-based Maguindanao students from the St. Theresa International College Cultural Dance Troupe, who performed Muslim dances such as Pangalay, Silong sa Ganding, Vinta and Kapa Malong Malong. The rest of the evening was joyfully punctuated by music from husband-and-wife duo Mr. Sulbert Orcullo and Ms Margie Amorsolo, who sang, played the guitar and saxophone, and led attendees in singing, dancing and musical improvisation.
An intricate ice-carving of Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu was made as a centerpiece where guests took turns in posing for photos. Others had fun before the Kalayaan and 70th Philippines-Thailand Anniversary photowalls especially installed by the Embassy for the occasion.
