Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, Ambassador Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela A. Ponce, and Philippine government officials launch the 60th anniversary logo of the Malaysia-Philippine diplomatic relations.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Philippine, a grand reception was held at the Makati Shangrila Hotel on July 1, 2024. The event, graced by Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan and Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, and their counterpart, Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, served as a testament to the strong ties between the two nations.
The celebration brought together an impressive assembly of Philippine cabinet ministers, senior officials from the Philippine government, foreign diplomats, industry leaders, and members of the Malaysian diaspora. This diverse gathering underscored the multifaceted nature of the Malaysia-Philippines relationship, which spans political, economic, and cultural dimensions.
Speeches delivered by Malaysia Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and Ambassador of Malaysian Embassy Philippines Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino during the Gala Dinner hosted by the Foreign Minister to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Philippine diplomatic relations.
In his speech, the foreign minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, emphasized the integrity and resilience of the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines. He spoke passionately about the shared history and mutual interests that have bound the two nations together for six decades. The foreign minister also renewed Malaysia's commitment to fostering a common future, especially in light of Malaysia's upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. This pledge was a clear signal of Malaysia's dedication to regional cooperation and unity.
Ambassador Endo Kazuya of the Japan Embassy with Mme. Endo AkikoHonorary Consulate in Manila Dr. Beatrice Jane L. Ang, Hayley Sia, and Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center President and CEO Kelly Hun SiaAirAsia Government Relations Manager Rachel Jem Apoldo, Air Asia Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Isla, and Department of Tourism Operations Officer II Gregorio Limpin IV
Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino also addressed the attendees, sharing his reflections on the relationship between the two nations: “One of the continuous traits that amaze me is the warmth and happiness of the Filipino people, which resonates with Malaysia. This truly signifies the depth of our relationship, which I hope will continue to grow. Malaysia is always ready to assist and support the Philippines in various strategic sectors important to both our countries. We are excited to explore new cooperative initiatives, especially in areas such as infrastructure development and social funding.”
Consul General of Estonia Fernando Pena, President of Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Dr. Cecilio Pedro, and Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs Almarim Centi TillahPresident of the Metrobank Foundation Aniceto "Chito" Mangahas Sobrepeña with Malaysian Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Mohd Fareed Zakaria
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the official logo commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Secretary Manalo joined the foreign minister on stage to launch the logo, symbolizing the enduring partnership and future aspirations of both countries. The logo, a visual representation of the strong and vibrant relationship, was met with applause from the audience, signifying collective optimism for continued collaboration.
H.E. Amb. Hisham S.A. Al Qahtani of the Saudi Arabia Embassy with H.E. Amb. Saleh As’ad Saleh of the of Palestine EmbassyMalaysian Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Mohd Fareed Zakaria, Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, Chairman of Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings Hans T. Sy and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman George Barcelon
Secretary Manalo echoed the foreign minister’s sentiments, affirming the Philippines' commitment to a shared and prosperous future. He highlighted the significant achievements of the bilateral relationship and expressed confidence in the continued partnership between Malaysia and the Philippines. Secretary Manalo also touched on the broader regional context, underscoring the importance of ASEAN as a platform for cooperation and development.
As both nations look forward to Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the event underscored the importance of unity and cooperation in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)Fred Pascual, Senator Joseph Victor Gomez Ejercito, President and Chief Executive Officer of Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc., Ramon Ang with H.E. Ambassador Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin CastelinoFashion Icon Tessa Prieto-Valdes with Consul Helen Ong of the Consulate of Angola and Consul Amelia R. Ablaza Consulate of the Republic of GuatemalaH.E. Amb, Agus Widjojo of the Indonesian Embassy with Head of Social and Cultural Section Minister Counsellor Avi Dewani Sari HarahapAmbassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino with Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon and Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross Gwendolyn PangManila Bulletin’s Badette Cunanan with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema and Sr UsecIsidro Purisima of the Office of Deputy Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity Thailand Embassy Ambassador H.E. Tull Traisorat with Chairman & CEO of Orion and Consul of Ethiopia David AckermanManaging Director Annie Refrea of RESA Travel & Tours, Inc., Makati Mayor Hon. Abigail Binay and NAITAS Pres Racquel SabucidoAmbassador Delia Domingo AlbertThe Foreign Minister (center) with Ambassador Malik and Embassy of Malaysia officers and their families.
