12 August 2023, Stockholm – H.E. Ambassador of the Philippines Maria Lumen B. Isleta, together with the Philippine Embassy’s officers and staff attended the Piknik ng Bayan held at the Rålambhovsparken as organized and hosted by the Filipino Community Leader’s Association (FILCOMLAS) in Sweden.
The event gathered Filipinos in Stockholm in an afternoon of fellowship, relaxation, and fun. This is the second year since the annual event was reintroduced after a 2-year pause in light of COVID.
Games such as a trivia quiz game and balloon relay contests, and musical performances by Ms Jelly Koffman and Ms Nicky Diaz were also showcased during the program. Embassy personnel - Mr. Rene Salazar and Mr. Jonas Araña serenaded kababayans with their melodious voices through their renditions of Filipino and English karaoke classics.
A small salo-salo capped off the afternoon piknik with delectable dishes and desserts contributed by attendees “ala potluck” such as: arroz valenciana, caldereta, salmon teriyaki, ampalaya with tofu, monggo soup, fried chicken, and various versions of the Filipino-Ilocano dish pinakbet as well as several interpretations of party-favorite pancit. Sweets like biko, apple strudel, chocolate muffins, chocolate brownies and special pan de coco (coconut bread) were also served.
Amb. Isleta congratulated FILCOMLAS officers led by Ms Letty Simpson, Mr Noli Buhay, Ms Gloria Saoy, Ms Ditas Enstrom, and Ms Adele Buhay for a very successful event. END.
08 August 2023, Helsinki - H.E. Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta, joined the ASEAN Committee in Helsinki (ACH) in a reception commemorating the 56th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN, held on 08 August 2023, at the Embassy of Indonesia in Helsinki.
During her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Ratu Silvy Gayatri, Ambassador of Indonesia and current Chair of the ACH, emphasised the positive economic outlook for the region in the coming year, which makes it a viable destination for businesses in search of economic opportunities.
Guests were treated to delectable savouries and desserts prepared by the participating ASEAN countries. END.
08 August 2023, Helsinki – H.E. Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta met with Deputy Director General for the Americas and Asia Juha Niemi on 08 August 2023 at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs – Finland, to discuss follow-up actions resulting from the Philippines-Finland 7th Political Consultations held on 25 January 2023 in Manila, Philippines.
Both sides agreed to work on cooperation in the areas of higher and technical and vocational education; maritime security; skills supply; digitalisation; economy and trade, including projects involving micro, small, and medium enterprises. Ambassador Isleta took the opportunity to convey the Philippines’ appreciation for Finland’s, as well as the European Union, support for the 2016 Arbitral Award and its commitment in upholding the Award as legally binding.
Also present during the meeting were Mr. Arto Haapea, Unit Director for East and Southeast Asia and Oceania, Mr. Eemeli Heikkilä, Specialist, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa. END.
