Featured image: IN SUPPORT OF PRESS FREEDOM Swiss Ambassador Alain Gaschen with members of the press freedom panel discussion (Photo from FDFA)
These soft power initiatives organized by foreign embassies in Manila not only facilitate cultural exchange but also help strengthen the relationship between the host country and the international community.
Embassies serve as a vital tool for countries to establish and maintain strong diplomatic relations with others. In addition to their diplomatic duties, embassies often engage in cultural initiatives to promote their countries’ soft power and foster mutual understanding with the host country.
This week, we’ll explore some of the recent soft power initiatives organized by foreign embassies here in Manila during the run-up to Holy Week, the city’s longest break. From festivals and film screenings, these events not only promote cultural exchange but also contribute to strengthening the bond between the host country and the international community.
The GREAT British Festival is back
The UK revived one of its biggest public events this year after taking a pandemic hiatus. The GREAT British Festival, a celebration of all things British, kicked off at Bonifacio High Street on the last weekend of March. Under the heat of the Manila sun, UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils and British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (BCCP) executive director and trustee Chris Nelson formally opened the event.
The festival featured a wide range of activities and attractions, including local acts performing some of Britain’s best music and classics, homegrown drag queens and bands performing some of the Spice Girls’ greatest hits, and Ballet Manila performing snippets from Martin Lawrance’s Romeo and Juliet, which was modernized and set in the Philippines. Actors from Bite-Sized Shakespeare also brought classics closer to the crowd that gathered in between the weekend shopping.
In a separate event to close women’s month, UK minister of state for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan joined the launch of the Women and Girls Strategy in the country, which puts women and girls as priorities in the UK’s projects and foreign policy initiatives. The Women and Girls Strategy will support initiatives and projects aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in the Philippines, such as improving access to education and healthcare. Trevelyan’s visit also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to bolstering cooperation within the region through discussions on trade, investment, clean energy transition, and women’s rights with the Philippine government and civil society organizations.
Switzerland on press freedom
The panel included members of the media and advocates, moderated by Karen Gomez Dumpit, former head of the Commission on Human Rights. They discussed the state of press freedom, with Switzerland being cited as a prime example of democratic values.
Swiss Ambassador Alain Gaschen highlighted transparency and accountability as core principles of democracy in his opening speech, emphasizing the importance of the media in keeping the public well-informed about those in power and the activities of governing institutions. He also called for multi-sector collaboration to create an environment, where press freedom could thrive.
Bangladesh’s celebrates 52nd National Day
“Upon the birth of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation, the Philippines was one of the first countries to extend the hand of friendship, recognizing our common cause for national identity and self-determination and our solidarity as Asian peoples,” Manalo said at the event.
Celebrating Ikebana at the Shang
The 56th founding anniversary of Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 was celebrated through a three-day Ikebana exhibit at the Shangri-La Plaza Atrium from March 24 to 26. The opening ceremony was graced by Madame Yuko Koshikawa, who delivered a speech at the event. Married to Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiro Koshikawa, Madame Yuko is a highly trained Ikebana artist.
Ladies from the Japanese embassy, including journalist Yoko Matsuda, were also at the event the show their support. Ikebana International is a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and appreciating Japanese floral arrangement, and the Manila chapter is one of its 138 branches with about 7,000 members worldwide. This year’s exhibit featured various works under the theme “Transcendence,” and it served as a celebration of the chapter’s 56th anniversary since its establishment in 1967.
BARMM Womenpreneurs at Podium
Also in late March, a pop-up market called the “Womenpreneur Market” was held at the Podium. The market was organized by French-Filipino NGO ACTED, in partnership with SM, Airspeed, and Philippine Airlines, to showcase the work of 20 women-led agricultural cooperatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
As part of the support for sustainable and inclusive agriculture in the region, the pop-up market featured fresh produce and regional specialties of women entrepreneurs from the different barangays and provinces in the BARMM. The market aimed to promote the products of these women-led cooperatives and their contribution to the development of the region.
French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz welcomed guests to the event along with SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.
Embassies play a crucial role in showcasing their countries’ diverse cultures and traditions through events like these. Amid the pandemic, the shift toward virtual events and online initiatives has made these activities even more valuable in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.
These soft power initiatives organized by foreign embassies in Manila not only facilitate cultural exchange but also help strengthen the relationship between the host country and the international community.