PH EMBASSY IN NAIROBI HOSTS DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION IN COMMEMORATION OF 125^TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

PH Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang and Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Florence Bore toast to the good health of the two countries 'Presidents and peoples, as well as the Philippines’ and Kenya's friendship, well-being, and prosperity.

NAIROBI, 26 June 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi hosted a reception on 19 June 2023 at the Tribe Hotel in Nairobi to mark the 125^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The event was attended by Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Florence Bore and over 150 guests from the diplomatic corps, Kenyan government ministries, business, media, academe, and the Filipino community.

In her address, Philippine Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang emphasized that the shared commitment to defend freedoms and preserve democratic values and institutions has served as a unifying force between the Philippines and Kenya throughout their 56-year diplomatic relations.

Ambassador Tang also cited recent developments that have contributed to the strengthening of Philippines-Kenya bilateral relations, notably the convening of the inaugural meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and the signing of an agreement on cultural cooperation between the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, both in February 2023.

Ambassador Tang also paid tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal on his 162^nd birth anniversary, underscoring how his enduring heroism inspires Filipinos all over the world to love their motherland and to always strive for excellence.

As the guest of honor, Cabinet Secretary Bore extended her congratulations to the Philippines on the occasion of its Independence Day. She expressed Kenya's commitment to strengthen ties with the Philippines in areas of mutual interest, particularly in diaspora management and protection.

“Kenya can learn best practices from the Philippines on training of migrant workers, return and reintegration programmes and protection of migrant workers,” said Cabinet Secretary Bore.

A highlight of the reception was the world-class performance by The Nightingales, a Filipino soprano duo composed of Ms. Bernadette Mamauag and Ms. Katrina Marie Saga. The Nightingales captivated the guests with a repertoire that included a medley of classic OPM hits, Filipino folk melodies, and a Kenyan traditional song titled "Ning Wendete" (“I love you”).

Making their debut in Kenya, The Nightingales performed at the three Kalayaan 2023-related events of the Embassy, through the support of the NCCA.

Filipino food, including adobo, beef tapa, pansit, and turon were served during the reception. Cebu Best Calamansi-Caramel Chocolate Coins, courtesy of AEO International Food Corporation, were also given to the guests as souvenirs. END

PH Ambassador Tang warmly welcomes the guests and delivers her remarks

The Nightingales captivate the guests with their beautiful harmonies, as they perform a medley of Filipino folk melodies and a Kenyan traditional song, "Ning Wendete"

Guests at the PH national day reception included members of the diplomatic corps, Kenyan government ministries, business, media, academe, and the Filipino community (Photo from the Official Facebook Page of Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Secretary, Hon. Florence Bore)

The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi

PH EMBASSY CELEBRATES KALAYAAN 2023 WITH THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN KENYA

Nairobi PE personnel with The Nightingales and over 120 members of the Filipino Community in Kenya who attended the Kalayaan 2023 celebration

NAIROBI, 20 June 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi marked the 125^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the Filipino community in Kenya in a festive celebration on 18 June 2023 that featured performances by the Filipino soprano duo “The Nightingales” and other fun activities.

Co-organized with the Filipino Community in Kenya (FilCom Kenya), the event was attended by more than 120 Filipinos.

Preceded by a community mass celebrated by Fr. Erik Lacandula and Fr. Philip Lazatin, the program proper started with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the presentation of the independence day video message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and a reading of the message of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo.   

Reflecting on the 2023 Independence Day theme of “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan”, Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang, in her remarks, emphasized how the lessons of the past can serve as guiding lights for Filipinos wherever they are,  as they collectively dream and strive for a brighter and a more prosperous Philippines.

The Nightingales, specially flown in from the Philippines with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), enthralled the guests with their rendition of favorite Filipino folk songs, as well as a medley of Regine Velasquez classics.

The event featured a sumptuous potluck feast featuring traditional Filipino dishes such as the crowd-favorite lechon, kare-kare, caldereta, longganisang vigan, and dinuguan, which brought the comforting taste of home to Kenya.

In the spirit of camaraderie, the guests also enthusiastically engaged in various Filipino-themed games, including the popular Pinoy Henyo and the exciting Pera o Bayong. The guests also showcased their creativity by adorning themselves in Philippine-themed attire and partaking in the Menudo Queen/King Challenge, each presenting their unique version of the popular Pinoy dish. END

Ambassador Tang delivers her Kalayaan 2023 remarks 

The Nightingales belt out songs popularized by Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez

FilCom members eagerly participate in the Filipino-themed games

PH TAKES CENTER STAGE AT THE 8^TH NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL

The Nightingales serenade the VIP guests and crowd with their beautiful voices.

NAIROBI, 20 June 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi showcased Philippine culture and food at the 8^th Nairobi International Cultural Festival (NICF) held on 17 June 2023 at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Returning after a three-year hiatus, the NICF provided a platform for the Kenyan public to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse cultures of different countries towards fostering intercultural understanding. The NICF featured cultural performances, booth exhibits, and demonstrations of traditional crafts and arts, under the theme “Coming Again Together”.

The Philippine Embassy booth showcased an array of Filipino products such as abaniko, dining ware made of capiz shells, miniature jeepneys, and pearl accessories. The booth visitors also enjoyed Filipino cuisine such as adobo, kutsinta, pancit bihon, and lumpia, while watching Philippine tourism videos.

The Nightingales, a Filipino soprano duo who visited Nairobi through the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), also took the NICF stage by storm and captivated the audience with their breathtaking vocal prowess. Their set included a Filipino folk medley, a traditional Kenyan folk song called “Ning Wendete”, and “Pangako Sa’Yo” which is also the title of the most popular Filipino teleserye in Kenya. The Nightingales’ rendition of “Pangako Sa’Yo” deeply resonated with the audience and drew an enthusiastic applause.

In her brief message at the opening ceremony, Philippine Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in nurturing understanding and deeper friendships between countries and peoples.

Mr. John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, highlighted in his keynote address how the festival fosters mutual understanding, celebrates diversity, and embraces new perspectives.

Aside from the Philippine Embassy, other participating diplomatic missions and institutions in the NICF were from Japan, China, India, Ethiopia, Morocco, Costa Rica, Mexico, Somalia, and Botswana. END

The Nightingales taking a bow after their mesmerizing performance

PH Ambassador Tang delivers her brief message at the opening ceremony of the 8^th NICF.

Embassy personnel and FilCom-Kenya member, Ms. Marilou Moses, delight booth visitors with an enticing array of Filipino products and delectable delicacies