Reception spotlights growing PH-SG ties, Filipino cuisine, and cultural pride at Orchard Hotel Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 12 June 2025 鈥 The Philippine Embassy in Singapore hosted a diplomatic reception on 11 June 2025 at Orchard Hotel to commemorate the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood. The event, attended by more than 350 guests, from the diplomatic corps, Singapore government, business and academic sectors, and the Embassy鈥檚 institutional partners.
In his welcome address, Philippine Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig reaffirmed the strengthening relationship between the Philippines and Singapore, citing recent high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong鈥檚 visit to Manila in June 2025 and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam鈥檚 state visit to the Philippines in August 2024.
Ambassador Macaraig also spotlighted new areas of bilateral cooperation such as carbon credits, biodiversity conservation, and digital innovation. He paid tribute to the 220,000-strong Filipino community in Singapore for their vital contributions across diverse sectors.
Minister Chee, in his remarks, congratulated the Philippines and expressed confidence in the continued growth of ties, rooted in mutual trust, regional priorities, and vibrant people-to-people links.
The event featured an all-Filipino menu curated by Orchard Hotel Singapore, complemented by popular local favourites including Don Lechon, Lechon Republic, Nanay鈥檚 Kitchen (with halal offerings), and Second Serving鈥攑artners of the Embassy鈥檚 Food Trek campaign.
Cultural performances added a festive touch to the evening. The Embassy鈥檚 resident band, joined by Ambassador Macaraig in a musical tribute to Singapore鈥檚 SG60 celebrations, performed Coldplay鈥檚 鈥淢an on the Moon.鈥 The program continued with a playful rendition of Ryan Cayabyab鈥檚 鈥淐oconut Song,鈥 followed by a live set from all-Filipino band Mhix Flava, known for their regular performances at Clarke Quay.
This year鈥檚 celebration forms part of the Embassy鈥檚 broader 鈥淜alayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.鈥 (Freedom. Future. History.) Campaign, a multi-year series highlighting the Philippines鈥 journey to independence and continued aspirations for progress and sovereignty.
Source: The Embassy of The Philippines
