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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Slovenia marks 34th Statehood Day with inaugural reception in Manila

Slovenia marks 34th Statehood Day with inaugural reception in Manila

Published Sep 22, 2025 04:24 pm
Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez of the Republic of Slovenia delivers a heartfelt welcome message during Slovenia’s 34th Statehood Day celebration in Manila
Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez of the Republic of Slovenia delivers a heartfelt welcome message during Slovenia’s 34th Statehood Day celebration in Manila
In a vibrant celebration of national pride and diplomatic friendship, the Republic of Slovenia commemorated its 34th Statehood Day on Sept. 11, with a landmark reception at the Fairmont Hotel Manila. Hosted by the Embassy of Slovenia, the event marked the first official Statehood Day celebration in the Philippines since the Embassy’s opening in May 2024—a historic milestone in Slovenia’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia.
Led by the Ambassador Smiljana Knez of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, the evening brought together a distinguished gathering of guests, including members of the diplomatic corps (notably the European Union delegation), Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles J. Brown, representatives from the Philippine government headed by Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles C. Jose, and partners from the business sector, academia, and media.
Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez, spouse Dusan Ropret, Consul Felix R. Ang and Slovenian Embassy officials share a proud moment with the Slovenian National Volleyball Team during Slovenia’s 34th Statehood Day celebration in Manila
Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez, spouse Dusan Ropret, Consul Felix R. Ang and Slovenian Embassy officials share a proud moment with the Slovenian National Volleyball Team during Slovenia’s 34th Statehood Day celebration in Manila
Apostolic Nuncio Achibishop Charles Brown with DFA Undersecretary Charles C. Jose and Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez
Apostolic Nuncio Achibishop Charles Brown with DFA Undersecretary Charles C. Jose and Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez
Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez with Slovenia’s Honorary Consul Felix R. Ang
Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez with Slovenia’s Honorary Consul Felix R. Ang
Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez and Slovenian Embassy officials share a joyful moment with the Far Eastern University Chorale, whose stirring performance of Zdravljica highlighted Slovenia’s 34th Statehood Day celebration
Ambassador H.E. Smiljana Knez and Slovenian Embassy officials share a joyful moment with the Far Eastern University Chorale, whose stirring performance of Zdravljica highlighted Slovenia’s 34th Statehood Day celebration
Embassy of Hungary Ambassador Dr. Titanilla Tóth and Consul Balázs Rátkai
Embassy of Hungary Ambassador Dr. Titanilla Tóth and Consul Balázs Rátkai
A highlight of the evening was the stirring performance by the Far Eastern University Chorale, who opened the program with a heartfelt rendition of Slovenia’s national anthem, Zdravljica. Their music added a deeply emotional and cultural dimension to the celebration, symbolizing the harmony between Slovenian and Filipino communities.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was the presence of the Slovenian National volleyball team, in Manila for the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025. Their attendance underscored the growing people-to-people ties between the two nations, especially in the realm of sports and youth engagement.
Netherlands Embassy Ambassador Maria Alfonsa Magdalena Geraedts and spouse Pieter Paul Henri Ten Bosch
Netherlands Embassy Ambassador Maria Alfonsa Magdalena Geraedts and spouse Pieter Paul Henri Ten Bosch
ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein with Embassy of Germany First Secretary Alexander Thielitz
ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein with Embassy of Germany First Secretary Alexander Thielitz
Live Artists Production, Inc. President Ma. Purita D. Rapinan with Consul Felix Ang and Manila Bulletin’s Badette M. Cunanan
Live Artists Production, Inc. President Ma. Purita D. Rapinan with Consul Felix Ang and Manila Bulletin’s Badette M. Cunanan
Ambassador Räduta-Dana Matache of Romania Embassy with Ambassador Saija Nurminen of Finland Embassy
Ambassador Räduta-Dana Matache of Romania Embassy with Ambassador Saija Nurminen of Finland Embassy
Ambassador Knez expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, including Honorary Consul Felix Ang of the Consulate of Republic of Slovenia, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and various government departments, and sponsors that helped make the event possible. “This celebration is not only a tribute to Slovenia’s independence, but also a reflection of our deepening friendship with the Philippines,” she noted.
The evening served as a powerful reminder of Slovenia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. With the embassy now firmly established in Manila, the future of Slovenian-Philippine relations looks brighter than ever.
Arkadiusz Jan Tracz with Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova of Belgium Embassy
Arkadiusz Jan Tracz with Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova of Belgium Embassy
Mme . Nancy Ramzy with Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe of south Africa Embassy , Victoria Javier Assad and Ambassador Nader Nabil Zaki of Egypt Embassy
Mme . Nancy Ramzy with Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe of south Africa Embassy , Victoria Javier Assad and Ambassador Nader Nabil Zaki of Egypt Embassy
Manila Bulletin’s Barbie L. Atienza with Guidance Management Corp. Chairman Joaquin “Jack” C. Rodriguez
Manila Bulletin’s Barbie L. Atienza with Guidance Management Corp. Chairman Joaquin “Jack” C. Rodriguez
Canada Embassy Ambassador David Bruce Hartman with European Embassy Ambassador Mariomassimo Santoro and MalaysiaEmbassy Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino
Canada Embassy Ambassador David Bruce Hartman with European Embassy Ambassador Mariomassimo Santoro and MalaysiaEmbassy Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino
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