MENU

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

ZNA 474 2023 photo1

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 125th 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 162nd 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

ZNA 474 2023 photo2

PH Ambassador Tang warmly welcomes the guests and delivers her remarks

ZNA 474 2023 photo3

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"

ZNA 474 2023 photo 4

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)

ZNA 474 2023 photo5

The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi