Images and text courtesy of the Philippine Embassy, Oslo
At the GALA NIGHT, Saturday 4th June led by Philippine Ambassador to Norway H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos, with Madame Myla Antoinette Fos, Embassy Officials and KALAYAAN NORGE group of Filipino organizations
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN OSLO HOLDS DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION TO COMMEMORATE THE 124TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE
The Philippine Embassy in Oslo held a diplomatic reception to celebrate the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Oslo Konserthus.
Around 200 guests from the different Norwegian agencies, members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, Filipino community, and friends and family of Embassy personnel, attended the event.
The diplomatic reception, which featured Filipino artists including Oslo-based painters, performers, and a fashion designer, and a Madrid-based flair bartender, proudly showcased the talent and skills of Filipinos, and displayed Philippine culture and heritage.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Enrico T. Fos emphasized that to this day, the Philippines is committed to defending its freedom and democratic ideals, especially in the face of various global challenges, and as the country moves toward its post-pandemic recovery.
Ambassador Fos recognized the 74 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Norway, marked by bilateral cooperation and shared values such as upholding the rule of law, multilateralism, a rules-based international order, defending human rights, and the pursuit of peace and development. The Ambassador also expressed gratitude to Norway and its people for being a welcoming host to some 25,000 Filipinos working and residing in the country, and another 25,000 Filipino seafarers onboard Norwegian-owned or flagged vessels.
In her message, Director General Tone Elisabeth Baekkevold Allers of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs´ Department for Culture, Business Relations and Protocol, highlighted the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway anchored on close cooperation in the maritime sector, renewable energy, and the employment of thousands of Filipinos in Norway and onboard Norwegian ships.
“In the end it is the people who put a face into our bilateral relationship, as thousands of Norwegians travel to the Philippines after the pandemic, and as Filipinos continue to live and work in Norway,” said Director General Allers.
The diplomatic reception was not only a commemoration of the Philippine Independence, but a celebration of the creativity and talent of Filipinos.
Featured during the diplomatic reception was the exhibit of Filipino painters Hope Baylon and Ruby Alison, who are trained visual artists from Det Tverrfaglige Kunstinstitutt (The Interdisciplinary Art Institute), and a fashion show of the Filipiniana designs of Mayeth Codoy who is the owner of the MYET brand, a collection of Filipiniana wear made from abaca or Manila hemp.
To provide a relaxed and welcoming ambience to the event, Oslo-based performers Sarah Bøhn and Carlisle Sienes rendered Filipino songs with their soothing voices. Sarah Bøhn competed at the Voice of Norge in 2021 while Carlsle Sienes joined the Idol Norge competition in 2018.
The afternoon´s festivities was completed with a flair bartending show by Madrid-based Dennis Adiuba Barela, who is an awarded flair bartender, having won competitions in Spain and in Cuba. Mr. Barela was able to visit Oslo through the cooperation of the Philippine Embassy in Oslo and the Philippine Department of Tourism in London.
The guests were served with cocktail drinks using the Filipino liquor Don Papa Rum, and had a taste of the delicious Filipino delicacies from Oslo-based Filipino caterers Kui Sina and Pastellhus. They were also given souvenir bags with Philippine products Boy Bawang (corn nuts) and dried mangoes.
Left: The fashion show by Oslo-based Filipino fashion designer Mayeth Codoy featured modern renditions of the traditional Filipiniana using the abaca fiber.
Right: Filipino-Norwegian performers Sarah Bøhn and Carlisle Sienes set the relaxed mood with their soothing voices.
The officers and personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Oslo under the leadership of Ambassador Enrico Fos
Ambassador Fos leads a toast for the guests and the Guest of Honor, Director General Tone Elisabeth Baekkevold Allers of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In her remarks, Director General Tone Elisabeth Baekkevold Allers highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway.
OPEN AIR, Barrio Fiesta mode celebration at St. Hanshaugen Park, Saturday 11th June