Every year, on June 12, Filipinos around the world come together to commemorate the hard-fought independence of the Philippines.

As our nation celebrates its sovereignty, its embassies and consulates worldwide play a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and pride among the Filipino diaspora and in inviting non-Filipinos to celebrate with us as part of our country’s diplomatic efforts.

Our diplomatic missions become vibrant hubs of cultural exchange, echoing the patriotic spirit that resonates across borders. From the bustling streets of Manila to the farthest corners of the globe, Independence Day becomes a remarkable occasion to showcase the diverse traditions, values, and rich heritage that define us as a people.

Seoul
Filipinos in the Republic of Korea witnessed the momentous lighting ceremony of Seoul City Hall as it featured the colors of the Philippine flag. This event, made possible by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, symbolizes the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Korea.

SEOUL LIGHTS UP FOR PH The Seoul City Hall's lights change from red, to white, to blue to commemorate PH independence

At a diplomatic reception, Ambassador Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega said, “From standing shoulder-to-shoulder during the Korean War to our constantly evolving and progressive engagement in the political, security, defense, economic, cultural, labor, tourism, and people-to-people areas—ours is both a historic and dynamic partnership.”

Guest of honor Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Choi Youngsam extended his congratulations on behalf of his people and government. He lauded Ambassador Dizon-De Vega for her “outstanding work in bringing the people of our two nations closer together,” noting that he himself had read the news articles on the embassy’s gastro-diplomacy initiatives.

Washington DC
Our country’s embassy in Washington DC hosted a reception on June 9, attended by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and members of US government agencies. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez emphasized the Philippines’ hard-won freedom and its commitment to remaining a free and sovereign nation.

PH-US FRIENDSHIP Ambassador Romualdez (left) and National Security Adviser Sullivan (right) share a toast towards a strong and prosperous PH-US bilateral relations

“Now, more than ever, we appreciate the value of being a friend and a partner to all countries and an enemy to none, especially as we address current and emerging challenges that are truly transnational and cannot be resolved by one country alone,” he said. The ambassador also highlighted the value of partnerships with all countries, particularly the US.

Sullivan acknowledged the strong relations between the two countries, expressed through collaborative efforts on various global challenges. He reaffirmed the US’ commitment to its enduring friendship and partnership with the Philippines.

Copenhagen
The first Philippine Cultural Day in Copenhagen’s Town Hall Square attracted thousands of attendees, including Filipinos, diplomats, locals, expats, and tourists. The event, hosted by Ambassador Leo Herrera-Lim, showcased traditional music, dances, and Arnis exhibitions. Fourteen performances amazed the audience. Filipino cuisine was available from popular food establishments in the area.

COPENHAGEN DRAWS A CROWD Thousands of attendees were present during the first Philippine Cultural Day held in Copenhagen's Town Hall Square

Dishes like lechon kawali, dinakdakan, pork barbecue, chicken inasal, and kare-kare were enjoyed, along with halo-halo and ube milk tea. The Philippine tourism booth, represented by tourism attaché Gerry Panga, attracted a large crowd, and the Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG) campaign was launched during the event.
This event follows the success of the first diplomatic bazaar held on June 3, initiated by Mme. Fides Herrera-Lim with the Ambassadors’ Spouses Group, with the Philippine Embassy playing a major role as a co-organizer. The bazaar was the first of several activities on the Philippine Cultural Days project in celebration of Philippine Independence.

Tokyo
The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo held a diplomatic reception at the historic Imperial Hotel, attended by Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japanese government officials, and diplomatic representatives.

JAPAN-PH GOLDEN AGE OF RELATIONS From left: Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi, PH Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi

Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano emphasized the importance of nurturing relations with Japan for a future-ready Philippines. Minister Hayashi praised the strengthened cooperation between the two nations and expressed well wishes for the Philippines’ peace and prosperity. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also sent a special message reiterating his commitment to “heart-to-heart dialogue to enhance the Japan–Philippines relations…for a “Free and Open Indo Pacific.” It can be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the Japanese Embassy in Manila’s event to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday in February.

The event featured cultural performances, a fashion show, and exhibits showcasing Philippine history, cuisine, and products. An exhibit featuring the terno and weaves from the Philippines was also a highlight. It featured the work of 14 designers, including Dennis Lustico, Ivarluski Aseron, JC Buendia, Joey Samson, Kaayo.PH, Lesly Mobo, Puey Quiñones, and Randy Ortiz, to name a few. The event was supported by Sen. Loren Legarda, also an advocate of Philippine fabrics and MSMES.

Barcelona
The Philippine Consulate General partnered with Megaworld International and the vibrant Filipino community in Barcelona, to present “Mano Po: Una Gran Celebracion del Patrimonio Filipino.” Held on June 11 at Moll de la Fusta, Port Vell, it attracted over 10,000 attendees.

BRINGING COLOR TO BARCELONA The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, led by Consul General Lazaro, Ambassador Lhuillier, with members of the Consular Corps in Barcelona

“Mano Po” immersed visitors—from Filipinos to locals and international tourists—in a cultural extravaganza, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the Philippines. “It is our heartfelt desire to forge deeper connections, foster understanding, and leave an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape,” said Philippine Consul General in Barcelona, Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro. Our ambassador to Spain, Philippe Lhuiller, was also at the event.

Istanbul
The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul celebrated through a unique breakfast event called “Salu-Salo Kasama ka at Konsulado” at the Hyatt Centric Hotel. “Nawa’y ang pribilehiyo ng ating pagiging malaya ay maging isang malakas na puwersa upang tayo’y patuloy na maglingkod sa ating kapwa at sa ating bayan saan mang bahagi ng mundo, sa abot ng ating kakayahan,” said Consul General Shirlene Mananquil during her speech at the event. The event featured Filipino dishes, songs, games, and an Arnis demonstration.

FOR THE PHILIPPINES The iconic Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (second bridge), connecting Istanbul’s Europe and Asian sides, shines vibrant colors of the Philippine Flag

The iconic Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge was illuminated in Philippine flag colors on June 12, which was also the eve of the anniversary of Philippines-Türkiye relations, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two countries.

London
The Philippine Embassy in London hosted a diplomatic reception on June 13. Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr. and guest of honor Richard Graham MP, the prime minister’s trade envoy to the Philippines, delivered remarks and toasted to the growing Philippines-UK bilateral relations.
The evening featured captivating performances of classical Filipino songs by sopranos Andrea Manuel and Lizzie Bett Estrada, and guests enjoyed acclaimed Filipino products such as Don Papa Rum, ARC gin and vodka, and Filipino sorbetes.

CHEERS Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr. toasted to the growing PH-UK bilateral relations with guest of honor Richard Graham MP, the PM's trade envoy to the PH

Rome
Newly-arrived envoy, Ambassador Neal Imperial, presented his credentials to Italian President Sergio Mattarella this month. Amb. Imperial thanked Italy for its support for the G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communiqué and expressed appreciation for Italy’s recognition in the Communiqué of the significance of the Indo-Pacific and for its explicit support for the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.
The Philippine Embassy in Italy also laid a wreath in front of the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Piazalle Manila on June 5 and held a flag-raising ceremony at the embassy grounds on the morning of Independence Day, followed by an evening diplomatic reception at the new chancery, its first since the pandemic.

A WARM WELCOME Ambassador Neil Imperial thanks Italy's support for the G7 Hiroshima Leaders' Communiqué

Moscow
The Philippines and Russia share the same national day and the Philippine Embassy in Moscow deployed a Mamang Sorbetero (complete with a handpainted cart!) to one of Moscow’s busiest metro stations. Celebrating another common ground, the love of both Russians and Filipinos for ice cream to beat the summer heat, free ice cream was given to locals who could answer travel-related questions about the Philippines.

MAMANG SORBETERO In Moscow, the Philippines also opted for ice cream diplomacy

The embassy also held a Filipino Community Fiesta and a diplomatic reception at the Raddison Collection Hotel in Moscow, formerly known as the Hotel Ukraina. In his speech, Ambassador Igor Bailen called for unity in praying for a ceasefire and the beginning of negotiations supported by the international community to restore peace and justice. “We believe that diplomacy, no matter what, can play a crucial role in a peaceful resolution of this conflict,” he said.