14 June 2023, Stockholm – H.E. Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta led the commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a flag-raising ceremony held on 10 June 2023, at the grounds of the Philippine Embassy in Stockholm.
The Ambassador was joined by Embassy officials and personnel, Filipino Community Leaders, as well as the parents and students who participated in the Embassy’s Silid-Aralan sa Embahada 2023 project.
In her message to the Filipino community, Ambassador Isleta underscored the importance of the theme for this year’s celebration, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” in recognizing opportunities by which Filipino values and culture may be inculcated in the next generation. Her remarks, which was delivered in Filipino, aimed to also share the beauty of the Filipino language with the guests.
More than sixty members of the Filipino community with family members joined in the happy celebration, with most wearing their Filipiniana best. This display of Filipino attire signified the solidarity shared with fellow Filipinos around the world celebrating this milestone anniversary in the nation’s history.
The event culminated in a traditional Filipino salo-salo of Philippine “almusal”/ breakfast prepared by Filipino chefs and homecooks in Sweden. The offerings of bangsilog, longsilog, pancit palabok, dinuguan and puto, ensaladang talong, pandesal, biko, leche flan, ensaymada, suman, among others, kept guests going back for second (and third) servings. END.
14 June 2023, Stockholm – The Philippine Embassy in Stockholm, in partnership with the Philippine Education Society (PES), held a graduation ceremony on 10 June 2023 at the Chancery to culminate the “Silid-Aralan sa Embahada 2023” which ran from March to May 2023.
Filipino-Swedish students ages 4 to 14 years old successfully completed the modules of this program which consists of Philippine history and geography, values education, folk dance, Filipino cuisine, Filipino games and festivals, and national language and literature.
Prior to receiving their certificates of completion, the students performed dances to the tune of “Kamusta”, “Magtanim ay di Biro”, and “Leron-Leron Sinta”. Ms. Valerie Ghimessy, violin-soloist, also rendered her interpretation of “Bayan Ko”.
During her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta expressed the hope that students continue to embody the Filipino values taught during the three-month program and that their interest in exploring their rich Filipino heritage and culture remains unwavering. A total of fifteen (15) students completed the three-month course, their ages ranging from 4 to 14 years old.
Ambassador Isleta also issued Certificates of Appreciation to and acknowledged the leadership of Mr. Noli Buhay, PES President, and volunteer teachers, Ms. Rofellita Larsson and Ms. Elrica Uy.
Filipino community leaders also took part in the program. Ms. Ditas Enström, President of the Euro-Asian Dance Group, led the class on learning about folk dance while Ms. Aya Sunga-Askert, President of the Filipino Artists’ Association in Sweden (FAAS), took part in reading a Filipino folk tale.
Silid-Aralan sa Embahada 2023 is a flagship / pilot project of the Philippine Embassy in Stockholm in partnership with the Philippine Education Society (PES). PES is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization that aims to promote college and vocational education for needy and deserving Filipinos. Additionally, the organization also supports newly-arrived Filipinos who are now residents, working or studying, in Sweden. Membership to the PES is open to all qualified Filipinos, Swedes, and other nationals with links to the Philippines. END.
14 June 2023, Stockholm – The Philippine Embassy in Stockholm, under the leadership of Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta, commemorated the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a diplomatic reception held on 16 May 2023 at the Embassy Chancery.
In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Isleta highlighted the strong bilateral partnership between the Philippines and Sweden, including the recent conduct of the 5th bilateral Political Consultations, which allowed discussions on a wide range of topics spanning the political, economic and social dimensions of Philippines-Sweden relations.
She also expounded on the theme of this year’s Philippine Independence Day celebration - “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”, which translates to “Freedom. Future. History." - and how these keywords are relevant to the values held dear by all Filipinos.
Savory dishes and desserts that showcased unique and delectable Philippine cuisine were served to the invited guests who enjoyed the fare. Some of the delicacies showcased include lechon liempo, pork barbecue, pancit, chicken inasal, ensaymada, ube cassava, and mango-creme cake formed part of the buffet - all of which were prepared by Chef Elle Philipps, owner of Filipino food bistro Kanto STHLM and catering company Elle’s Kusina.
The reception was made even more special by the performance of The Song Weavers Philippines, a group of musically talented and experienced choir singers trained by the Madrigal Singers. The group entertained the crowd with their renditions of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal”, “Paraiso”, “Och jungfrun hon går i ringen (a Swedish traditional song)”, “Comme D’Habitude”, “Take A Chance on Me (by Abba)”, “Da Coconut Nut”, among others.
The Song Weavers Philippines are now on their 1st European Goodwill Concert Tour. They are slated to represent the Philippines at the 45th Venezia in Coro on 11 June 2023 in Venice, Italy after having successfully served as Philippine representatives to the Arirang Multicultural Festival in South Korea on 23 October 2022.
Some 100 guests graced the occasion, including members of the diplomatic corps, Swedish Government officials, business executives, and Filipino Community leaders. END.
07 June 2023, Stockholm - Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta led the Philippine Embassy’s participation in the celebration of Sweden’s National Day last 06 June 2023 held at the Skansen, an open air museum in Skansen with a program nationally broadcast live that began with His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia and other members of the royal family in attendance.
Two important anniversaries in the country’s history - including the coronation of King Gustav Vasa, who liberated Sweden from the Kalmar Union in 1523; the signing of the Constitution in 1809 as well as the jubilee year (50th Anniversary) of H.M. King Carl’s ascension to the throne was commemorated.
Swedish officials, members of the Riksdag led by Speaker Andreas Norlen, and members of the diplomatic corps came in full force to the celebration which featured performances by artists and singers from all parts of Sweden.
In his celebratory speech, H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf recalled the rich history of the country and Sweden’s nature, people, history, and traditions, from which he draws inspiration and strength. He underscored the importance of respecting history to allow people to understand the present and to be able to look to the future. The activity was followed by a reception hosted by the H.M. King and Queen Silvia at Nordiska Museet.
Earlier, members of the royal family started the day by visiting Strängnäs, where King Gustav Vasa was elected in 1523. The public was also welcomed by the Royal Family at the Royal Castle. Crown Princess Victoria, together with Prince Daniel, Princess Estelle, and Prince Oscar, joined the crowd at the ceremonial opening of the Castle’s western gate. END.
