The Embassy of the Philippines in Madrid, Spain, hosted the inaugural Premios Tanglaw ceremony on Oct. 10, 2024, led by Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Philippines-Spain diplomatic relations.
Remarking on the bilateral relations, Ambassador Lhuillier said, “this evolving relationship would not have reached its present heights without the tireless efforts of remarkable individuals and institutions—visionaries and advocates who have dedicated their lives to building bridges between our cultures. Today, we honor those who have worked relentlessly ensuring the light of mutual respect and understanding continues to shine brightly.”
“The awards we bestow represent a moment of celebration and serve as a source of inspiration for all who strive to bring us closer,” he added.
The Premios Tanglaw, presented by the Philippine Embassy in Spain, honors individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to fostering solidarity and cooperation between the Philippines and Spain. Named after the Filipino word “tanglaw,” meaning “guiding light,” the award celebrates those who serve as luminaries of unity and progress. Inspired by Juan Luna's iconic painting, it symbolizes the illumination of the path toward a brighter future, with both nations contributing to their shared aspirations. The inaugural Premios Tanglaw marks the start of celebrations leading up to the 80th anniversary of Philippines-Spain relations in 2027.
This year's awardees included the late Sen. Edgardo J. Angara, Jorge Manuel Domecq Fernández de Bobadilla, Isabel Preysler, Rafael Rodríguez-Ponga, Fernando Zóbel, Alexandra Eala, María Dolores Elizalde, Antonio Molina, Instituto Cervantes, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes, Aboitiz and Company, CASA ASIA, Bodegas Fundador and Emperador Properties, ACCIONA, Jollibee Madrid, and Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID).
Notable attendees included Tamara Isabel Falcó Preysler, 6th Marchioness of Griñón, and her husband Íñigo Onieva; Laura Mayoral of the Ministerio de Asunto Exteriores; Fernando Heredia Noguer of the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación; José Herrera, director general of International Relations-Ayuntamiento de Madrid; and several ambassadors and officials from various sectors.
Soprano Manila Adap performed "Dulce Princesa," the Spanish version of Maalaala Mo Kaya, and Mutya ng Pasig during the intermissions.
The ceremony, held at the Instituto Cervantes headquarters in Madrid, was attended by government officials, private sector representatives, and international and cultural figures based in Madrid.