GOVPH

PH EMBASSY SHOWS SUPPORT TO PRA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SALON DES SENIORS

12 March 2025. The Philippine Embassy attends the opening day of Salon des Seniors which features the participation for the first time of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) led by CEO and General Manager Roberto Z. Zozobrado. 

PRA is promoting the Philippines as a retirement destination to French retirees. Currently, France is included in the list of emerging markets for nationalities availing of the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV). 

Ambassador Mahilum-West welcomed PRA’s participation and noted that it was timely for the Philippines, which has a relatively young population, to pay more attention to the needs of the growing number of senior citizens in the Philippines and globally.

For 25 years, the Salon des Seniors has been France’s biggest event for individuals 55 years of age and above. It attracts around 180 exhibitors and draws 26,000 attendees  annually. It offers a wide range of services for seniors such as health, leisure, wellness, travel, retirement, among others.  Each year, there are two themes and for 2025, these are “Heritage and Legacies” and “Physical Activity and Health Promotion”. 

The Philippine Booth is located at Pavillion 2 at E11 - Tourism Section.  Salon des Seniors at the Porte de Versailles runs from 12-15 March 2025. 

Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West and Consul General Noemi Diaz are joined by the PRA Delegation PRA CEO and General Manager Roberto Z. Zozobrado promoting the Philippines to the Salon des Seniors attendees. At the Entrance of Pavillion 2, a video featuring PRA CEO and General Manager Zozobrado plays on loop.  Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West and PRA CEO and General Manager Roberto Z. Zozobrado are discussing the potential of France as an emerging market for SRRV. 
 

The Michelin Guide Press Release 2025

NWM Celebration and Purple Wednesday

PH Embassy in Paris kicks off the National Women’s Month celebration with Purple Wednesday lecture.

06 Mar. 2025. In celebration of National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day, the Philippine Embassy in Paris participated in Purple Wednesday and hosted an Echo Seminar on Gender Equity, Intersectionality, Unconscious Bias, and Emotional Tax in the Workplace.

The Philippine Embassy in Paris expresses support to Women’s Month Celebration during a  Purple Wednesday.

To commemorate March 2025’s first Purple Wednesday, the Embassy personnel and guests gathered for an Embassy family photo. Following this, Ms. Anna Magsumbol, Acting Gender & Development Focal Point Officer, conducted an insightful echo seminar on key gender issues and inclusivity. The seminar delved into the distinction between gender equality and gender equity, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the workplace. It also emphasized the significance of intersectionality in achieving gender equity and how unconscious bias and stereotypes contribute to workplace discrimination. 

PH Ambassador to France delivers opening remarks highlighting this year’s Women’s Month theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas”. 

During her opening remarks, H.E. Junever M. Mahilum-West stressed the importance of raising awareness on gender equity and how this year’s theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas” aims to promote women empowerment especially those in the underprivileged and marginalized sectors. 

Consul General Noemi Diaz shared the International Women’s Day Message of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. 

Ms. Anna Magsumbol shares her insights on key gender issues.

Eau La La et Plus: PH joins Grand Palais Art Capital during Arts Month 2025

21 February 2025. The Philippine Embassy in Paris supports the Philippine artists’ participation at the Art Capital exhibit at the Grand Palais in Paris, France on 18-22 February 2025. Several Filipino artists based in France and all over Europe exhibited their respective works in one of France’s most prestigious and historical expo venues. Philippine Ambassador to France, H.E. Junever M. Mahilum-West also participated in the said exhibit with her works inspired by the Philippines’ marine biodiversity.

Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West with participating artists participants at the Grand Palais Art Capital Exhibit.  

Among the participating Filipino artists are Margo Babilonia-Le Lain, Harold Khan, Cici Lane, Maritess van Vianen, Marievic Baune, Myse Salonga, Aurea Calanog, Marie Therese Villa, Day Pajarillo, Chelony Mercado, Carmela Geisert, James Buenacosa, Tei Leonardo, Bong Canuel, Aurea Calanog, Karen Concepcion, Marie Expert, Viviane Mauske and Jovelyn Medalle.

Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West with the Filipino artists participants at the Grand Palais Art Capital Exhibit.  

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines has designated February as National Arts Month (NAM), celebrating a month-long tribute to Filipino artistry and cultural heritage. Showcasing Philippine artistry at the prestigious Grand Palais in Paris represents a significant milestone for the Filipino artist community to gain international exposure. With the theme "Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin," the Philippine art exposition provided a timely platform to highlight not only the arts but also the values, identity, and culture of the Filipino people. It underscores that the creative spirit of the nation is rooted in its talented artists. NCCA defines “diwa” defines as the spirit, essence, and soul while “damdamin” as passion which propelles creation, expression and development. The expo also showed how bayanihan is central to the Filipino soul. 

Philippine Embassy officials and the Cultural Section led by Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West together with her spouse, Mr. John West. 

 A collective of Filipino creatives, including the Ambassador, centered their efforts on the Philippines' archipelagic and maritime identity. This focus aligns with global initiatives for ocean conservation and the protection of maritime biodiversity which will be celebrated in France during its hosting of the upcoming UN Oceans Conference in Nice in June this year. They titled their exhibit Eau La La - a wordplay of the famous French interjection ah là là with the French word for water.  Ambassador Mahilum-West displayed her dedication to maritime conservation and the arts by featuring her paintings of Philippine fishes, inspired by Kumataro Ito. Ito was the chief illustrator on the USS Albatross, who took on the significant responsibility of surveying the aquatic resources across the Philippine archipelago. Ambassador Mahilum-West and Embassy officials joined the artists in a cocktail reception at the Grand Palais. 

The Embassy is a vibrant advocate for Filipino creativity, immersing itself in a myriad of exhibitions across Paris that showcase the talents of emerging artists. These dynamic events not only serve as a springboard for the artists but also weave the rich tapestry of Philippine art into the global narrative. Indeed, art is a bridge, linking cultures and inspiring dialogues that transcend our concept of borders.

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