UNITED Ambassadors and chargés d'affaires of embassies representing the Commonwealth join DFA Usec. Theresa Lazaro and British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils in a toast to celebrate the coronation of King Charles this Saturday, May 6

At 4 p.m. today, the British Embassy in the Philippines will be holding a public viewing party of King Charles III’s coronation at the Quezon City Circle—and everyone’s invited.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils intends to bring a piece of their history and tradition closer to Filipino families as they enjoy their weekend. It’s new, refreshing, and one that taps a newer demographic. “I really want it to feel authentic,” Beaufils said. “I felt that was the right place and what we’re trying to achieve is something similar to the British festival—a British picnic.” Aside from the screening of the coronation, there will be British food and drinks and performances. “People are invited to bring their own food, drink, and their picnic mats if they wish to come together and sit on the ground and have a little bit of a sandwich or whatever as they’re watching the coronation,” she added.
This weekend is a huge deal for Britain with an expected number of 2,200 carefully selected guests, 120 of whom are heads of state and government. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his wife, First Lady Liza Marcos, are expected to attend. This coronation, like Britain’s new King, is going to be modern and inclusive. “Unlike the previous coronation, the King has insisted on having a very wide representation from civil society,” said Beaufils. “You’ll see people of all ages, different ethnic groups, and different religions, representing different parts of British community there.”

Some aspects will remain traditional from the crown to the Archbishop of Canterbury officiating but we’ll also be seeing women clergy represented in the event with leaders of various faiths in the UK having a role in the ceremony too.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils wears a baro at saya, a nod to the Philippines during one of the biggest events her embassy hosted this year. Photo from the British Embassy

Some might be quick to judge the relevance of monarchies in 2023 but in diplomacy, some monarchs remain to be some of the strongest diplomats. “They do so much to strengthen the friendships and the relationships between the UK and countries across the world. They are such a bridge between cultures,” said the ambassador. For a country like Britain with a long history, which is also now a constitutional monarchy, reflecting on tradition as they move forward remains important in keeping the identity and unity within the nation. “The relevance of the coronation is beyond the formal. The relevance—the importance of rooting oneself in tradition. To find that sense of unity and coming together. I think that’s really important.”

While pretty far from each other physically, there’s a lot that strongly ties the two countries and its peoples, from cultural exchanges, Filipino medical professionals, and tourism, to name a few. There are opportunities to strengthen economic partnership, and the UK is an ally in upholding a rules-based international order. In February, the UK and the Philippines held a maritime dialogue in Manila where maritime law enforcement, marine environment protection, climate adaptation, fisheries management efforts, and professional seafaring were discussed. The two countries also have strong ties in education and helping address the climate crisis.

“I hope it will be remembered as a beautiful day. A celebration of all things British. But also, as I was saying, of our values, I hope people think back and they have warmth in their heart and think about the fact that it was both solemn and meaningful, that it was rooted in religion, but also that it was about friendship and reaching out across religions…I hope people feel the solemnity as well as the fun—and if they can remember both in their minds, then I think the job is done.”

WELCOME TO BULACAN Members of the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation present US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson with a necklace made by jewelry designer Arnel Papa (second from right) who is also a native of Bulacan and a Dangal ng Lipi awardee

US Ambassador visits Bulacan

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson visited the North Polo Club in Bulacan on April 29 to attend the Usapang Dangal event hosted by the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation (DFBI). Fresh from concluding the biggest Balikatan exercises and prior to going to the US for President Marcos’ official visit, Carlson took the time to talk about US-Philippines relations.

“From the moment I arrived in the Philippines last July, I’ve been so impressed by the diversity and depth of those very strong connections between the people of the United States and the people of the Philippines,” she said. “It’s also very clear that the positive tone in our relationship is set at the very top with President Marcos emphasizing how he cannot imagine the Philippine’s future without a close role or close bond with the United States of America. America feels exactly the same way.”

Carlson attended the event upon the invitation of Dangal ng Lipi awardee and DFA policy undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro. “I invited Amb. Carlson to visit Bulacan so that the US embassy will be aware of the foundation and how it has done substantial work for the community and a recognition of the possibilities and potential of Bulacan as a province,” said Lazaro, a native of Bulacan.

Carlson was treated to a slice of rural life in the Philippines with Pulilan’s carabao festival and tradition welcoming her, her husband Aubrey Carlson who is a retired diplomat, and the other members of the embassy team. She also got to know the province better and its potential for investment which, due to its proximity to Metro Manila, makes it a sensible choice from a business standpoint.