A. Flag-raising Ceremony/Breakfast with the Filipino Community, 11 June
Embassy officers and staff led more than 200 members of the Filipino community in a flag-raising ceremony held at the newly-refurbished rooftop of the Chancery, which was acquired by the Philippine Government early last year.
Professor Ramon Acoymo, Chair of the Department of Voice, Music Theater and Dance of the UP College of Music, led the singing of the “Lupang Hinirang.” This was followed by the recitation of the “Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat.”
The ceremony was followed by the reading of Independence Day messages of the President and SFA by Post's officers. The undersigned also delivered a message to the Filcom exhorting them remain true to the ideal of our heroes for a one and united Philippines, especially in light of developments in Marawi.
Prof. Acoymo treated guests to a well-received rendering of "Kenkoy", "Telebong," "Pilipinas Kong Mahal/Bayan Ko." This was followed by a breakfast buffet of Filipino favorite dishes and delicacies, such as adobo, sinangag, sardinas, corned beef, dilis, and champorado.
B. Voice Workshop by Prof. Acoymo, 11 June
More than 40 members of the Filipino community attended a voice workshop organized by the Sentro Rizal of Phnom Penh on 11 June 2017. Conducted by Prof. Acoymo, the three-hour voice workshop gave the participants basic knowledge and applications of classical singing, as well as primary dimensions of singing techniques (posture, phonation, registration resonation, diction, interpretation and expressivity).
Most of the attendees were choir members, entertainers, and music teachers. A couple of missionaries who plans to establish a music school travelled to Phnom Penh for three hours from Kep Province in order to participate in the workshop.
Prof. Acoymo was Dean of the UP College of Music from 2004-2010. He served as member and chair of the Technical Panel for Music for CHED, which crafted guideline-standards for the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Music and Music Education for the country. As Music Director/Conductor, he has helmed the Ateneo College Glee Club, Coro San Benildo of CSB-De La Salle and the Kundirana of La Salle Greenhills. Post arranged his travel to Cambodia, with Cebu Pacific as sponsor for his airfare.
Merienda cena was served after the workshop.
C. Gala Dinner Organized by the Samahan ng mga Pilipino sa Cambodia (SAMAPI), Naga World Hotel, 11 June
On 11 June, the sole Filipino community organization in Cambodia, the Samahan ng Mga Pilipino (SAMAPI), organized a gala dinner for Filipino community members, as well as non-Filipino guests. The event was held at Naga World Hotel's Grand Ballroom and was attended by about 300 guests.
During the event, the undersigned called on the Filipino community to continue uplifting the good image of Filipinos in Cambodia, and positively contribute to the country's development. Awards were also handed out by SAMAPI to Outstanding Filipinos in Cambodia, who were chosen by a panel of judges composed of FilCom members.
An haute couture fashion show and various musical performances during the program showcased the wealth and breadth of Filipino talent in Cambodia.
D. Lecture by Prof. Ramon Acoymo at Royal University of Fine Arts, 12 June
Prof. Acoymo delivered a lecture on Philippine vocal music to about 100 students of the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA). The lecture included a brief performance that will compare the Philippines' vocal music with songs from other ASEAN countries. Prof. Acoymo highlighted how unique the Philippines' vocal traditions are, compared to its neighbors in the region. A lively question and answer portion followed the lecture.
E. Diplomatic Reception, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, 12 June
Post hosted a diplomatic reception on 12 June 2017, at the Grand Ballroom of Raffles Le Royal Hotel. The reception was attended by over 200 guests from the Cambodian government, business, academe and media, the diplomatic corps, and prominent members of the Filipino community. H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was the Guest of Honor representing the Cambodian government.
In his toast remarks, the undersigned shared with the guests the recent positive economic developments taking place in the Philippines under the current administration and highlighted, through the years, the people-centered relationship between the Philippines and Cambodia. In his response, Senior Minister Prak Sokhonn recounted the successful State Visit of President Duterte during which several bilateral agreements were forged. SM Prak said that he looked forward to the convening of the 2nd PH-KH JCBC later this year.
The diplomatic reception provided an opportunity for Post to once again showcase Filipino musical talent through a short performance by Prof. Acoymo.
Raffles Le Royal Hotel prepared a sumptuous all-Filipino dinner buffet, which included oxtail kare-kare, chicken adobo, pansit palabok, sisig, bulalo, and crispy pata. Unlike previous receptions, this Filipino dinner buffet was prepared under the supervision of visiting Filipina Chef Erika Chua from Fairmont Hotel Makati.
The giveaways to guests included promotional materials from the Department of Tourism, fruit jams from the Department of Agriculture, Oishi snack food from Liwayway Corporation, discount cards from Penshoppe, and hygiene products from Unilab. Guests also sampled San Miguel products donated by the San Miguel Brewery International (Cambodia Representative Office).
F. Philippine Food Fiesta, 13-17 June, Raffles Hotel Le Royal
In partnership with Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh, the Embassy organized a five-day Filipino Food Fiesta on 13-17 June. Filipino Chef Erika Chua of Fairmont Makati was flown in to Phnom Penh and prepared a daily dinner buffet of authentic Filipino dishes and desserts. San Miguel Beer also participated as corporate partner during the festival.
The Phnom Penh-based Bahandi Rondalla with Bahandi Dancers gave nightly performances to promote Filipino musical traditions during the week-long event.
DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION
RAFFLES HOTEL LE ROYALE
12 JUNE 2017
