05 June 2023, Stockholm – H.E. Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta, in partnership with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), hosted a piano concert entitled “Springtime Sonata: A Musical Journey with Dr. Raul Sunico, world-renowned Filipino pianist”, to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 30 May 2023 at the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) Helsinki, Finland.
Dr. Sunico, who was formerly President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), wowed the crowd with timeless classical pieces of Chopin and Debussy as well as much-loved Filipino classics, Kumintang and Bato sa Buhangin.
In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Isleta acknowledged the Embassy’s partnership with the NCCA in organizing the concert. She stated that the event was a meaningful way to commemorate the Philippine National Day that also brings along both pride, honor, and prominence to the Philippine world-class artists in Europe.
Members of the diplomatic corps, Finnish government officials, business executives, and Filipino community leaders - attended the concert. A reception followed the 60-minute program which allowed guests to meet and greet Dr. Sunico, while also enjoying the night’s offerings of Filipino delicacies. END.
29 May 2023, Stockholm – In celebration of the Philippine National Heritage Month, the Embassy of the Philippines in Stockholm, in partnership with the Philippine Education Society (PES), organized a series of activities on 13 and 27 May 2023, as part of the Silid-Aralan sa Embahada 2023 program. Activities included lectures on Philippine history, geography, national costume, and tourism hotspots in the country; Philippine outdoor games such as hilahang lubid, luksong lubid, and patintero; and introduction to Philippine folk dance and dance lessons to the to the tune of “Leron-Leron Sinta” and “Magtanim ay di Biro”.
Teacher Elrica Uy Celiz led the lectures while Ms. Ditas Enström, President and Founder of the Euro-Asian Dance Group, led the lecture on Philippine folk dance. Teacher Elrica and Ms Ditas are also members of the PES.
Philippine Presidential Proclamation No. 439, s. 2003 declares the month of May as National Heritage Month (NHM) whose observance aims to strengthen people’s consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of Filipino cultural history.
This year, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) adopted the theme, “Heritage: Change and Continuity”, which highlights the dynamic nature of heritage as a field that continuously innovates so it can achieve its objective of preserving products of human creativity. END
09 May 2023, Stockholm – H.E. Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta called on Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell on 09 May 2023 at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Both sides discussed the Philippines-Sweden trade and economic relations including ways of increasing and reaching a balance in trade between both countries as well as possible initiatives that will strengthen the cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, transportation, and green transition.
Minister Forssell welcomed the Ambassador’s work in Sweden in strengthening relations between both countries. END.
