04 December 2023, Stockholm - Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta met with Mr. Lars Höglund, owner and CEO of Furetank on 30 November 2023, in Gothenburg, Sweden. During their discussions, it was noted that PH seafarers make up 25% of the global maritime/shipping crew and officers
Furetank has the most environmentally-friendly tankers in the world with its use of LNG as fuel for its vessels and which has resulted in a 50% increased fuel efficiency by 50% for its vessels. Mr. Höglund shared the experience of Furetank in employing over over 200 Filipino seafarers, many of whom have been working in Furetank’s vessels since 1998. He conveyed his appreciation for his Filipino workers, whom he considers friends and family.
Also present during the meeting were Consul David Kristensson, a.h. and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa. END.
04 December 2023, Stockholm - During a visit to Gothenburg, Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta took the opportunity to visit the warehouse of Filipiniana AB on 30 November 2023, where she met with owners - Mr. Ariel Isip, an Ateneo de Manila University alumni, his wife, Ulrika, and brother-in-law Mr. Fredrik Kjellberg.
Filipinana AB was started 29 years ago In Sweden, which started off selling paper maché and woodcraft from Paete, Laguna and Banaue, Ifugao. Currently, the company supplies items and ornaments to the biggest amusement park in Gothenburg, several Swedish museums, a coffee chain store in Sweden, flower shops, and exclusive interior design stores in the Nordic region and Northern Europe.
Filipiniana AB also participates in expositions in the Nordics and Northern Europe area, including the upcoming Formex in Stockholm on 16-18 January 2024.
Also present during the meeting were Consul David Kristenssion, a.h. and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa. END.
04 December 2023, Stockholm - Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta met with Bookmässan (Gothenburg Book Fair) Director Frida Edman on 30 November 2023, in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Ms. Fridman provided a tour of the Bookmässan office and provided a brief background on the event carried out by the organisation. Ambassador Isleta, for her part, shared the cultural activities carried out by the Embassy including the successful implementation of the “Silid-Aralan sa Embahada” (Classroom at the Embassy), which provided an avenue for 2nd and 3rd generation Filipinos to learn and understand Filipino culture, traditions, and stories. Ambassador Isleta also conveyed interest in the Philippines participating in the Book Fair 2024.
Bookmässan is carried out every year at the end of September. It serves as a platform for reading, literature, and publishing activities which have had a great impact on the Swedish economy, cultural policy, and literary exports. The organizers cooperate with the local government and the media in carrying out the Fair. The fair is known as a safe haven for authors. Through the efforts of the organizers, Gothenburg was named as a UNESCO City of Literature. The Book Fair was founded in 1985.
In 2023, the Book Fair had over 320 seminars where authors of books are able to lecture and give talks as well as some other 4,000 events. About 2,500 authors were invited and about 800 exhibitors and organizations had a booth. The Fair also provided a venue for negotiations on copyrights and publishing. Over 80,000 visitors visited the four-day event.
Also present during the meeting were Honorary Consul David Kristensson, a.h. and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa. END.
04 December 2023, Stockholm - Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta met with Honorary Consul of France and Dean of the Consular Corps of West Sweden - Mr. Robert Hörnquist on 29 November 2023, in Gothenburg, Sweden.
During her call on Honorary Consul Hörnquist the Ambassador introduced the new Philippine Honorary Consul in Gothenburg, Mr. David Kristensson and sought the Consular Corps’ support to Consul Kristensson. Consul Hörnquist welcomed Consul Kristensson and shared some of the activities carried out by the Consular Corps in West Sweden in cooperation with the local governments and the private sector.
Also present during the meeting were Consul David Kristenssion, a.h. and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa. END.
