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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Embassy of Romania hosts National Day celebration

Embassy of Romania hosts National Day celebration

Published Dec 8, 2025 10:24 am
The traditional celebratory toast led by Ambassador Răduța Dana Matache with Usec. Maria Andrelita S. Austria, and Ambassador Mohammed Rida El-Fassi, vice dean of the diplomatic corps
The traditional celebratory toast led by Ambassador Răduța Dana Matache with Usec. Maria Andrelita S. Austria, and Ambassador Mohammed Rida El-Fassi, vice dean of the diplomatic corps
To mark Romania’s National Day on Dec. 1, 2025, the Embassy of Romania in the Philippines hosted a festive celebration on Nov. 26, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel Makati.
The event gathered distinguished guests, including senior representatives from the government of the Philippines, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, leaders from the business community, academe, civil society, the press, and the Romanian community in the Philippines.
Ambassador Răduța Dana Matache of the Embassy of Romania with her welcome message
Ambassador Răduța Dana Matache of the Embassy of Romania with her welcome message
The formal program opened with the singing of the national anthems of the Philippines and Romania, performed by Filipina soprano Marielle Tuason. Romania Ambassador Răduța Dana Matache was joined on stage by the Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Maria Andrelita S. Austria, Vice Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Morocco Mohammed Rida El-Fassi, and the Honorary Consuls of Romania to the Philippines, Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., Grand Benedicto, and James Villareal.
In her address, Ambassador Matache expressed heartfelt gratitude in Filipino for the kindness, friendship, and hospitality of the Filipino people. She emphasized that Romania and the Philippines are closer than ever, working together toward shared aspirations. She highlighted milestones achieved throughout the year, including increased bilateral dialogues between high-level officials, appointment of James Villareal as honorary consul of Romania in Mindanao, growth in trade and tourism ties, and expanding cooperation in defense, sports diplomacy, and higher education.
The symbolic act of cutting the cake signifies solidarity and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Romania and the Philippines
The symbolic act of cutting the cake signifies solidarity and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Romania and the Philippines
She cited notable achievements such as Romanian business delegations visiting Manila, joint volleyball training between the national teams of both countries in Piatra Neamț, scholarships for Filipino students offered by the Romanian government, and strengthened academic partnerships.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Acting Undersecretary Austria extended warm congratulations and best wishes to Romania. She underscored the enduring friendship of more than half a century between the two nations, built on mutual respect, shared values, and international cooperation. She noted the reopening of the Philippine Embassy in Bucharest in 2024, recent high-level engagements between foreign ministers, growing economic and political collaboration, and the increasing presence of overseas Filipino workers in Romania.
Gerald Nuñez, Trade and Development Officer of the Embassy of Romania; Petrica Badea, Consul of the Embassy of Romania; Raduta Dana Matache, Ambassador of Romania to the Philippines; Hon. Maria Andrelita S. Austria, Acting Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Department of Foreign Affairs; Mohammed Rida El Fassi, Vice Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Morocco; Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Honorary Consul General of Romania in Pampanga; James Villareal, Honorary Consul of Romania in General Santos City and Grand Benedicto, Honorary Consul of Romania in Cebu
Gerald Nuñez, Trade and Development Officer of the Embassy of Romania; Petrica Badea, Consul of the Embassy of Romania; Raduta Dana Matache, Ambassador of Romania to the Philippines; Hon. Maria Andrelita S. Austria, Acting Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Department of Foreign Affairs; Mohammed Rida El Fassi, Vice Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Morocco; Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Honorary Consul General of Romania in Pampanga; James Villareal, Honorary Consul of Romania in General Santos City and Grand Benedicto, Honorary Consul of Romania in Cebu
The cultural program enchanted guests with Tuason’s soulful renditions of the Filipino traditional song “Ang Maya” and the Romanian classic “Copacul” (The Tree), followed by a ballet performance from young dancers of the Hope Academy of Dance.
The venue, adorned in Romania’s national colors, also featured an exhibit of Romanian Orthodox icons painted on glass by artist Christina Munteanu, offering a glimpse into Romania’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Guests enjoyed a banquet of authentic Romanian cuisine, including Boeuf Salad, Fasole bătută, Sarmale, Tocană de vită, Mămăligă cu brânză, Papanași, cozonac, and world-class Romanian wines.
Distinguished guests and cherished friends of the embassy create an atmosphere of warmth and celebration in the grand ballroom.
Distinguished guests and cherished friends of the embassy create an atmosphere of warmth and celebration in the grand ballroom.
The Embassy of Romania extends its deepest gratitude to its partners, sponsors, and all attendees who joined in this celebration.
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Poland Embassy represented by Second Secretary Katarzyna Vitkovska with Executive Assistant to the Head of Mission Ella Arevalo
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