111TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok had undertaken the following activities to commemorate the 111th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Thailand.

Flag Raising Ceremony at the Embassy Grounds, 12 June 2009

A flag raising ceremony was held at the Philippine Embassy grounds on 12 June 2009 at 0900H. Ambassador Antonio V. Rodriguez, accompanied by Madame Janette A. Rodriguez, headed the ceremony which was attended by Post’s officers and staff, officers and staff of the attached agencies (defense and trade) and their respective family members and their private staff, and some members of the Filipino community in Bangkok.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Rodriguez read the President’s Independence Day message for Filipinos abroad, while Consul-General Edgar Badajos read the Secretary’s message.

A special supplement featuring the Philippine Independence Day Anniversary was likewise published in the Bangkok Post.

National Day Reception at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok, 25 June 2009

A reception was likewise held at Dusit Thani hotel in Bangkok on 25 June 2009. The reception was graced by the members of the diplomatic corps, high ranking Thai Government officials (Members of the Privy Council, Ministers and Members of the National Assembly, among others), business and private individuals in the host country, and members of the Filipino community in Thailand.

Ambassador Antonio V. Rodriguez delivered a speech during the reception highlighting the long standing relations between the Philippines and Thailand in the diplomatic/political, economic and social aspects, including people-to-people relations. The Ambassador also gave a toast for the health and happiness of both His Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej.

The national day celebration was highly successful. It continues to be the talk of both the diplomatic and the Filipino communities for its unique format and emphasis on the world renowned Filipino hospitality.

Tourism materials provided by the Department of Tourism were distributed during the event. San Miguel Corporation donated beer, while San Miguel Marketing Thailand soda and fruit drinks, and these were evidently enjoyed by the guests. The Embassy also raffled off some door prices, including a round-trip ticket (Bangkok-Manila-Bangkok) donated by Philippine Airlines.