Rekindling relationships
The Philippines gives Finland a special gift on its National Day
On Dec. 6, the Embassy of Finland in the Philippines hosted a dinner to celebrate its 106th National Day at the Ascott BGC. In his speech, H.E. Amb. Juha Pyykkö highlighted, among other things, how Finland was ranked the happiest place in the world for 2023.

"For us Finns, happiness is not necessarily LOL—laughing out loud—or having fun. For us, happiness is more like being content with one's life," the ambassador said, adding that this is based on a number of things, including "a well-functioning society with free high quality education and health care, long life expectancy, limited corruption, equality, social mobility, freedom, social security, nature" and trust.

Representing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Usec. Ma. Theresa Lazaro also gave a speech. She announced, as a gift to Finland, the reopening of the Philippine embassy in Helsinki.
"I am pleased to announce that we are now in the final preparations for the reopening of the Philippine Embassy Helsinki next year, paving the way for more efficient cooperation and engagement between our two countries," Usec. Lazaro said.


Finland celebrates its independence day every Dec. 6, commemorating its separation from Russia in 1917.


