07 Aug 2019
The Singapore Embassy in Manila hosted a reception on 7 August 2019 at the Fairmont Ballroom in Makati City to celebrate Singapore's 54th National Day. More than 800 friends from the Philippines, including government officials, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps in Manila, and our fellow Singaporeans joined us in celebrating not only the Singapore Bicentennial, but also the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Philippines diplomatic relations.
We were honoured with the presence of Madam Cielito Honeylet Avenceña and Honorable Teodoro Locsin Jr, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In his remarks, Singapore Ambassador Gerard Ho thanked the Filipino community for their warmth and friendship in welcoming him to Manila, as well as the community’s support for the work of the Singapore Embassy. Ambassador Ho also looked forward to the upcoming State Visit by Singapore President Madam Halimah Yacob to the Philippines in September 2019 in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of bilateral relations. Secretary Locsin recounted his first stay in Singapore, as well as his most recent visit to attend the re-inauguration of the Alkaff Bridge. We are also grateful for Secretary Locsin’s kind words on the deep friendship and fruitful cooperation between Singapore and the Philippines.
The ballroom was filled with music and merriment thanks to the wonderful performances by Ms Stefanie Quintin, Harp Room, and the Embassy’s very own Defence Attaché Col De Silva Joe Ronesh as they sang beautiful renditions of our national anthems and Filipino and Singaporean songs. Thank you to all our friends who celebrated this momentous occasion with us, and we hope to see you all again next year. Cheers to a longstanding and warm friendship between Singapore and the Philippines! Mabuhay!
