The Embassy of Greece in Manila, Philippines, treated guests to a glimpse of Hellenic culture during the recent reception of the National Day of Greece held in Fairmont Hotel Makati. Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis, together with his wife Aliki Pappas, led the celebration, which also coincides with the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Greece and the Philippines.

Ambassador Pediotis highlighted Greece’s formal relationship with the Philippines, which started in 1947, when the Honorary General Consulate of Greece in Manila was established.

He said, “Today, our relationship is that of a warm friendship and close proximity — I would dare to say identical — to all international issues, especially on the law of the sea, the peaceful resolution of disputes and climate change.”

“These issues will be put at the epicentre of our tenure as a non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council. Given the opportunity, I would like to extend our gratitude to the Philippines for their support to our election. But that is just an example: our two countries always support each other in international fora. We aspire to give new impetus to our cooperation in the near future, with initiatives that are underway, and, hopefully, we will have our political consultations very soon,” Ambassador Pediotis added.

The ambassador commended his spouse, Aliki Pappas, for the preparation of the whole celebration, making sure that every detail would not be the usual. Like the dramatic entrance of colors — with children carrying the flags of the two countries. In between each of the flags stood a child holding a paper boat (a representation of a gesture of appreciation for the Filipino seafarers who contributed significantly to the success of the Greek Merchant Marine), as they marched to the center of the ballroom of the venue and stood in their position until the singing of the national anthem of the Philippines, followed by that of Greece, was done.

The presentations of music, songs, dances and poem, as well as the plate-smashing — which is believed to be a lively way to express happiness and excitement during joyous occasions — are traditions in Greek culture which were part of the presentations. Guests were also treated to a feast showcasing the culinary delicacies of Greece.

The remarkable event transcended from a mere celebration to a testament of the ties between Greece and the Philippines.