US INDEPENDENCE From left: US executive director of ADB Amb. Chantale Wong, DFA Asec. Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, US Amb. MaryKay Carlson, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Rev. Charles Brown, and US Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava

The US Embassy in Manila celebrated 247 years of independence in advance at the Grand Hyatt in BGC on June 27, a week before July 4, which is also considered Filipino-American Friendship Day. It was a true, all-American event with a big band, a dance floor, and some of their biggest food brands present to celebrate with the guests.

A TOAST TO PH-US TIES DFA Asec. JV Chan- Gonzaga lauds PH-US friendship and the two countries' shared values

“I am grateful, very grateful for my close cooperation. And as I look at that, I am filled with optimism for the future of the US-PH relationship as we continue to build on our successes,” said US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. “We plan to continue working with the government and the people of the Philippines to strengthen our ties, as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad allies.”
People lined up to try a flight simulator by Lockheed Martin, with some of the army pilots stationed in the Philippines providing instructions and tips. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and government officials, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

All of June, we celebrate Independence

Since last week’s round-up cannot possibly fit everyone, allow me to shine the spotlight on a few more Independence Day activities around the globe.
The Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino Association in Xiamen organized a Pinoy Fiesta at SM Xiamen, showcasing the evolution of Philippine music. The event was held to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence, Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day, and the 48th anniversary of Philippines-China Relations.
Consul General Maria Antonina Mendoza-Oblena highlighted the aim of bringing Filipinos and Chinese together to celebrate both cultures and traditions. A talented pianist in her own right, the Consul General performed “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” with an all-Filipino band. She also accompanied Chinese violist Jing Yang in performing “Por Una Cabeza” and the Chinese song “The Moon Represents My Heart.”

MUSIC AND DANCE FOR INDEPENDENCE Consul General Antonina Oblena, a talented pianist in her own right, performed with musicians in Xiamen and danced during the program as well

Traditional Filipino music and dance were showcased by performers from the Manila-Xiamen International School while Chinese children from Idea Arts Center performed traditional Chinese dances. The event featured Filipino food booths, attracting Filipinos and locals alike.

In The Hague, the Embassy of the Philippines in the Netherlands celebrated with a garden reception. The event featured iconic Filipino dishes prepared by renowned chefs Rolando and Jac Laudico, as well as soulful music by cellist Mikko Pablo. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya emphasized the significance of the occasion, recognizing the Philippines as Asia’s earliest modern democracy.

INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE HAGUE Amb. J. Eduardo MalayaMalaya hosts a diplomatic reception for the 125th anniversary of PH Independence

Distinguished guests from the diplomatic community, including Max Valstar from the Netherlands' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined in the cake-cutting ceremony. The embassy expressed gratitude to their partners for their support, and the reception concluded with lively performances by Filipino singers Jemarie de Villa and Cristina Barabat. The embassy also hosted an Independence Day picnic for the Filipino community at Halfweg.

Closing Pride Month with a bang

In recent years, Pride has gained remarkable momentum, transcending borders and fostering a global movement for equality and inclusion. Embassies around the world have joined this powerful cause, organizing events that symbolize their commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights and promote cross-cultural dialogue.

In the Philippines, the pride events hosted by the embassies have stood out as noteworthy examples of diplomatic support for the community. Serving as platforms for unity, amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals and highlighting the importance of international collaboration in advancing equality for all.

The US held an event at Ambassador Carlson’s official residence, attended by members of the community, including reigning Ms. Universe-Philippines Michelle Dee. “The United States stands together with the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines to promote a world where everyone’s rights are recognized, protected, and championed,” said Ambassador Carlson in a tweet after the event.

TEAM UK PRIDE Amb. Laure Beaufils with her embassy team at the QC Pride March

The UK, meanwhile, organized a fireside chat hosted by Mela Habijan. The panel included Mindanao Pride executive director Salm Kairo Dumanlag, Trans Deaf advocate Disney Aguila, and Police Major Rene Balmaceda, who is the current chief of the women and children’s protection desk at the Quezon City Police District. Balmaceda is also the first openly transgender cop in the Philippine National Police.
It was capped by a performance by Drag Race Philippines’ Brigiding, Viñas Deluxe, and Precious Paula Nicole. “We celebrated the beauty and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, reflected on progress made, and spoke about outstanding battles. Oh, and we had great fun too!” said Ambassador Beaufils of the event.

PRIDE IS A PROTEST Conversations – both difficult and empowering. The UK Embassy hosted a fireside chat for Pride Month

Senator Loren Legarda, a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, was also at the UK event, where she was asked about the role of legislation in fighting discrimination. “I have been pushing for the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act since the 17th Congress, now substituted as SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, or Sex Characteristics) Equality Act,” the senator said. “The proposed measure seeks to address the widespread and systemic discrimination that persists in the Philippines on the basis of SOGIE.”

The German Embassy in Manila partnered with the LGBTQIA+ community Elephant to hold a series of events centered on Pride Month. The embassy flew in Berlin-based DJ Ketia to perform at Elephant’s Pride Party on June 24. “After days of traveling and 13 hours of flying and without much sleep, I felt like crying in the cab on the way to the event, but when I got there, the energy was just so sweet and tender,” said Ketia. The collaboration between the embassy and the community also led to their own panel discussion at Makati bar Seltsam on June 26th.

Cheekily titled “The BUZZ (Baklang Usapan sa Zafe Zpaces): A panel discussion on Enhancing Queer Safe Spaces in the Philippines,” it was hosted by drag artist and Elephant co-founder SuperStarlet XXX (a.k.a. Shahani Gania). The panel included QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, who recently announced her city’s Right to Care Card, allowing same-sex couples to legally decide for each other when it comes to medical matters. QC is also a city that trains its barangay officials to be gender-sensitive.
Transgender filmmaker Celeste Lapida and gay Muslim filmmaker Rhadem Musawah were also part of the panel, contributing their experiences in creating safe spaces for the community.