Diplomatic Reception for Kalayaan 2017

A diplomatic reception to celebrate Kalayaan 2017 was held on 13 June 2017 at the Salão Imperial V and VI of the Brasília Imperial Hotel.

Speaking in Portuguese, Chargé d’affaires, ad interim Ariz Severino V. Convalecer extolled the sacrifice of 58 soldiers and policemen who offered their lives fighting elements of the terrorist Maute Group. He noted that the history of the Philippines is one of struggle, and that while the 1898 Revolution was waged to spread the ideas of freedom and democracy in Asia’s first republic, the Philippines is now fighting to stop the culture of hate, ignorance and death from taking root in Mindanao.

Guests comprised of about 150 diplomats and other friends of the Embassy later stood and joined CDA Convalecer in a moment of silence as the names and photos of the 58 soldiers and policemen were projected on screen.

After the somber ceremony, the evening took on a more festive tone as dinner comprising of Brazilian and Filipino dishes, which included two lechons (leitão in Portuguese), was served.

 

Chargé d’affaires, ad interim Ariz Severino V. Convalecer and Counsellor Marcelo Salum of the Ministry of External Relations lead guests in observing a moment of silence as the names and photos of the 58 soldiers and policemen who perished in Marawi City are shown on screen.   

 

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph Date accessed: 13 July 2017