BIENVENIDO — Mexican ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Daniel Hernández Joseph, welcomes guests to Mexico’s National Day celebrations.
The Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines, under the leadership of its new ambassador, Daniel Hernández Joseph, commemorated the 213th anniversary of the proclamation of the independence of Mexico. The celebration was held on Sept. 15 at the Grand Hyatt Manila.
“El Grito de Dolores,” which served as Mexico’s cry of independence, re-lived by H.E. Amb. Daniel Hernández Joseph. (Noel Pabalate)
In his welcome address, Amb. Joseph highlighted the deep connections between the Philippines and Mexico, proven through 70 years of ongoing bilateral relations. This year’s anniversary also marked 458 years since the beginning of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, which first facilitated the exchange of people and goods across the Pacific Ocean.
“[That is] 458 years of brotherhood between the Philippines and Mexico!” the ambassador said.
GRITAD! — Guests participating in the “cry of independence” (Noel Pabalate)
“El grito de dolores,” or “the cry of suffering,” that marked the end of Spanish rule in Mexico, echoed yet again in the Philippines with the presence of the Mexican community and guests that evening, Amb. Joseph added.
Acting Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo Jose A. De Vega, who previously served as the Philippine ambassador to Mexico (Noel Pabalate)
Among those present were various government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the business community, and other friends of the embassy.
DFA Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Jose Victor V. Chan-GonzagaH.E. Amb. Alvaro Jara Bucarey of the Embassy of Chile, H.E. Amb. MaryKay L. Carlson of the US Embassy, H.E. Amb. Ricardo Bocalandro of the Embassy of Argentina, H.E. Amb. Miguel Utray of the Embassy of Spain, and H.E. Amb. Luc Veron, Head of the Delegation of the European Union in the PhilippinesH.E. Amb. Marcela Ordoñez Fernandez of the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia, H.E. Ambassador Hae Kyong (HK) Yu PSM of the Embassy of Australia, H.E. Amb Alvaro Jara Bucarey of the Embassy of Chile, and H.E. Amb. Peter Kell of the Embassy of New ZealandH.E. Amb. Phan Peuv of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, H.E. Amb. Hoang Huy Chung of the Embassy of Soviet Republic of Vietnam, Chargé d’ affaires Mr. Keith Richard Sugiyama of the Embassy of the Republic of Palau, and H.E. Amb. Tull Traisorat of the Royal Thai Embassy in ManilaMB’s Barbie Atienza with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea Minister and Consul General Seung Man San, and 2nd Secretary Sungho HuhH.E. Ambassador Hisham Sultan A. Alqahtani of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia and Brazilian Embassy Charge d’affaires ad interim Minister Sergio TaamH.E. Amb. Nicolas Bruhl of the Embassy of SwitzerlandMB’s Barbie Atienza with Intramuros Administration’s Atty. Joan M. Padilla, together with IA staffMatija Kovak, head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in the Philippines, and Maria Elena Valdeavilla-Gallardo, head of the Philippine office of UNCHRConsul Remedios Salud Tesoro Guerrero, consul general of Jamaica, and Consul Michael Ang, honorary consul of JordanH.E. Amb. Marielle Geraedts of Netherlands Embassy in Manila and Pieter ten Bosch
Everyone was treated to a festive celebration that showcased the unique, vibrant, and colorful traditions of Mexico. As a vivid illustration, the reception area was transformed into a Mexican fiesta that featured traditional dishes and drinks, combined with activities that made the evening an authentic Mexican cultural treat.
Music and dancing, to complete the evening (Noel Pabalate)Mexican band kept the evening festive
The following day, the celebration continued with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla—the Catholic priest and leader of the Mexican War of Independence—at Intramuros, Manila.
