24 June 2019 – The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur commemorated the 121^st Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence in a tapestry of color and patterns at a reception held on 20 June 2019 at the Mayang Sari Ballroom of the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

With the theme, “Our Common Threads”, the Embassy highlighted the diverse heritage of the country’s indigenous communities by showcasing their traditional weaving traditions.

Around 490 guests from the diplomatic corps, Malaysian government, business and private sector community, and select members of the Filipino community were treated to an evening of authentic Filipino cuisine, folk music, and an exhibition featuring over 60 textiles and artifacts.

The textiles were handcrafted by indigenous artisans from all over the Philippines, and made available for the viewing and learning pleasure of guests through the facilitation of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Strategic Communications and Research - Cultural Diplomacy Office.

The Honorable Liew Vui Keong, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, graced the event as Guest of Honor.

In his speech before the guests, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles C. Jose emphasized that the Philippines’ indigenous textiles are “symbolic of our nation’s people; a tapestry of contrasting yet coherent patterns, materials, and styles.” 

He further noted the resemblances between some of the Philippines’ and Malaysia’s textiles.  “These similarities reflect our shared cultural roots; a figurative as well as literal representation of our common threads,” he said.

The event was especially meaningful, given that Philippines and Malaysia marked 55 years of diplomatic relations one month prior.

“I am heartened to note that the bonds we’ve forged more than half a century ago have strengthened over time,” Ambassador Jose remarked in his speech.  He noted that the Philippines and Malaysia are not only co-founding members of ASEAN, but also partners in trade, investment, and safeguarding peace and security in the region.

 A medley of indigenous folk music, contemporary Filipino songs, and dance tunes brought a lively beat to the event, courtesy of the Philippine-Malaysia Connection, a group of Filipino musicians living and working in Malaysia.

Guests feasted on Filipino dishes such as adobo burger, beef mechado, lumpiang ubod, turon fried on the spot, and other delectable dishes washed down with San Miguel Beer.  They also had the opportunity to take home souvenir photographs of themselves with the iconic Mindanao vinta in the background through the photo booth. 

For more information, visit the Embassy’s website at http://www.philembassykl.org.my or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PHinMalaysia/