11 June 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa marked the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence with a flourish in an official reception on 11 June 2014 at the National Arts Centre of Canada.
Hosted by Chargé d'Affaires Eric Gerardo E. Tamayo and Mrs. Mary Joyce F. Tamayo, the celebration honored the founding fathers of the Philippine Republic whose legacies continue to feed the country's political and economic development. Calling attention to deepening Philippines-Canada friendship, Mr. Tamayo recalled the travails of Felipe Agoncillo, the first Filipino diplomatic emissary tasked to seek international support for Philippine independence. The Chargé d"Affaires cited Mr. Agoncillo's arduous journey that had him traversing Canada, through Montreal and Halifax, and surviving a shipwreck between Halifax and Scotland - all in a valiant mission to forestall the Treaty of Paris which would have Spain cede the Philippines to the United States.
Affirming strong people-to-people ties fused by common values, Mr. Tamayo juxtaposed the Philippines' economic resurgence with Canada's own prosperity against the backdrop of a burgeoning ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). "The excellent relations between the Philippines and Canada provide impetus to a robust socio-cultural, and entrepreneurial partnership, and we look forward to accomplishing more together towards creating value and improving the quality of life for all concerned," Mr. Tamayo stated.
Speaking for the Canadian government, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Deepak Obhrai, reflected on the growing relations between Canada and the Philippines as well as the role of an expanding Filipino community in nurturing healthy bilateral relations. He recognized the great strides made by the Philippines in democratic and economic reforms under President Aquino's leadership. Stressing Canada's identity as a Pacific country and affirming Canada's priority focus on ASEAN, Mr. Obhrai cited Canada's commercial ventures by Telus and Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE) in the Philippines.
The Embassy's buffet and bar blended Filipino and Canadian hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. This happy co-mingling of Filipino and Canadian cultures extended to the entertainment provided by Filipino-Canadian soprano Lilac Cana and Canadian classical pianist Nick Rodgerson. Together, they performed Filipino classics such as Ang Maya, Mutya ng Pasig, Ti Ayat Ti Meysa Nga Ubing, Sarung Bangui and Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika to the guests' delight.
Members of Parliament Joe Daniel and John Carmichael were among the audience that also included federal government officials, private sector representatives and members of the Filipino community. "Again our event of the year!" and "the Philippine Embassy throws the best receptions" were among the compliments conveyed to the hosts. END