by: Laurie Reyes-Blay
The Embassy of The Republic of Singapore in Manila commemorated the National Day of Singapore on August 30, 2023 with a dinner reception at the Grand Ballroom of Fairmont Makati. Dignitaries, diplomats, government officials, consuls, ambassadors and members of Manila society gathered under one roof to celebrate the occasion.
The national day of Singapore is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the nation’s cultural achievements. This year’s celebration at the Fairmont Hotel was a testament to the good relationship between Singapore nationals and the Filipino people.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the Singapore Ambassador, Ms. Constance See, who expressed gratitude for the continued support and friendship from their Filipino counterparts. “Thank you for being here to celebrate Singapore’s 58th National Day. It is a great honor and privilege for me to stand before you today as the Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Republic of the Philippines. As Singapore turns 58 this year,
Our National Day is not just a time of celebration of our past accomplishments, but also a time to cherish the invaluable friendships we have forged along the way,”Amb. See said.
Amb. See added: “Cooperation, working together with like-minded partners, has always been key for Singapore. In this regard, the Philippines holds a special place in our hearts, as a close neighbor and a trusted partner. The foundation of our enduring friendship dates back to 1969, when Singapore and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations. Today, Singapore and the Philippines share deep and multifaceted cooperation. Singapore is a top investor in the Philippines.Many of our companies see the Philippines as an attractive
Market. The presence tonight of many Singapore companies is testament to that.”
Expat Philippines attended the event, represented by its President and Managing director, Ms. Butch Bonsol. Expat Magazine has been a bridge between different communities, sharing stories and experiences of expatriates in the Philippines. Ms. Bonsol’s attendance underscored the importance of media in fostering cultural understanding and collaboration between nations. “Expat Magazine has always been about building connections and promoting cultural exchange. Singapore’s National Day provides a wonderful platform for that,” Bonsol noted.
