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Embassy News

PH Embassy & FilCom commemorate 128th anniversary of Rizal martyrdom

29 December 2024.The Philippine Embassy in France joined the Filipino Rizalist community groups in Paris on 29 December 2024 in commemorating the 128th year of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal. The solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held right at the Philippine national hero’s bust in Place Jose Rizal at Paris’ 9th arrondissement.

Filipino community leaders of Rizalist groups based in France delivered their messages during the commemoration ceremony.

Leaders of the France-based Rizalist groups led by Mr. Catalino Oabel of the Knights of Rizal and Ms. Ninette Brosas of Las Damas de Rizal, among other chapter leaders, organized the event in coordination with the Embassy. They delivered their messages honoring Rizal’s legacy and his contributions to Philippine freedom, national identity, and modern society.

Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West delivers her inspirational message in commemoration of Rizal’s martyrdom at Place Jose Rizal.

H.E. Junever Mahilum-West, Philippine Ambassador to France, gave her inspirational message. The Ambassador emphasized that celebrating José Rizal’s legacy in Paris was fitting, as the city once nurtured his ideals of freedom and justice, which continue to inspire today. The 2024 theme, “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas,” emphasizes that his values—such as youth and women empowerment, social justice, and cultural pride—remain crucial in addressing modern challenges. Rizal’s influence is particularly felt by Filipinos abroad, exemplified by the success of Filipino athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, whose victories mirror Rizal’s indomitable spirit of patriotism and resilience. Efforts to preserve his memory in Paris, like the bust dedicated to him, alongside milestones like resumed flights between Paris and Manila, reinforce the ongoing relevance of Rizal’s vision for a free and just society. The Ambassador also thanked the Mairie de Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Deputy Mayor Arnaud Ngatcha for the city’s instrumental role in the installation and upkeep of Place Jose Rizal.

Embassy and FilCom representatives offered flowers to the Rizal bust as Bayan Ko is sung in the background.

Philippine Embassy representatives led by Ambassador Mahilum-West and Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Tamayo, along with Rizalist groups, offered flowers to the Rizal bust which celebrated its second anniversary of inauguration last June 2024. This historical marker is the only public bust of a Filipino icon in Paris.

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Semaine des Philippines: Celebrating rekindled Paris-Manila connectivity

On December 12, 2024, the Philippine Embassy in Paris hosted a diplomatic reception to celebrate the renewed connectivity between Paris and Manila, following the restoration of Air France’s direct route after a 20-year hiatus. The inaugural flight AF209 from Manila to Paris brought the Philippine delegation and representatives of the French Embassy in Manila to Paris for a week of meetings, conferences, and discussions with various French government officials, business and private sector representatives, and academic institutions.

H.E. Junever Mahilum-West welcomed guests to the Embassy and underscored the significance of the restoration of direct Paris-Manila flights in further strengthening ties between the Philippines and France.

The gathering was attended by top-ranking officials of the Philippine delegation from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Finance, NEDA, Department of Tourism and the Philippine Coast Guard, business leaders, representatives from the French Embassy in Manila, and partners from the academic community, including students and artists from the Filipino community in France.

Secretary of Science and Technology highlighted the results of DOST’s mission in France during the Philippine week that aligns with the Philippines’ national development strategies and goals of wealth creation and protection.

During her welcome remarks, the Philippine Ambassador to France, H.E. Junever Mahilum-West highlighted the significance of the restored flights in strengthening ties between the Philippines and France. She noted that these flights enhance connectivity in trade, investment, tourism, and person-to-person exchanges. The Ambassador also pointed out the potential for expanding France’s access to Asia and to the Pacific, creating new opportunities for both nations and their regions. The AcapElles and Filipino musicians Harold Guevarra, Muriel Gonzales, and Franco Maigue serenaded the guests with their classic rendition of Filipino and French songs.

Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., who spearheaded the Department of Science and Technology delegation, shared key outcomes of DOST’s mission to Paris during the Semaine des Philippines (Philippine Week), emphasizing the mission's alignment with the Philippine Development Plan and national strategies.

Secretary of Transportation Jaime Bautista led his own delegation earlier in the Week to meetings with the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and France’s foremost business grouping MEDEF International, among others.

Esteemed members of the Philippine Week delegation and French government counterparts graced the Embassy reception.

At the reception, guests enjoyed performances by an all-female Filipino-French choir, the AcapElles, along with France-based Filipino musicians Franco Maigue, Muriel Gonzales, and Harold Guevarra. Filipino women artists displayed their unique artworks painted on the terno. The vibrant presence of Filipino artists and musicians in Paris reflected the profound and grassroots-level cultural and artistic exchanges between the Philippines and France.

Members of the DOST delegation led by Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. (L) with H.E. Junever Mahilum-West (R), Filipino students and DOST scholars based in France, Philippine state university officials, and Philippine and French Embassy officials.

Semaine des Philippines provided a venue for rich exchanges between the visiting Philippine delegation and their French hosts. It showcased the Philippines' diverse tourism offerings to French and European audiences, serving as a dynamic platform to enhance tourism, economic, and cultural exchanges. Philippine Week in Paris marked a step forward in strengthening relations between France and the Philippines, paving the way for improved connectivity and partnerships in all fields.

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Consular Outreach in Nice, France

AVPA Coffee Awards 2024

Very Beautiful Coffee from the Philippines Captivates in AVPA International Contest for Locally Roasted Coffees

05 November 2024 - Four coffee farms hailing from the Philippines won in the International Contest under the category for Locally Roasted Coffees hosted by Agence pour la Valorisation des Produits Agricoles (AVPA). AVPA is a non-governmental, non-profit organization aiming to recognize excellent high-quality agricultural products through its annual International Contest for coffee, tea, oil and chocolate.

The winning coffees originating from Mountain Province to Batangas and all the way to Sultan Kudarat with their corresponding awards are:

Sgd Coffee (Northern Sagada, Mt. Province) - Gourmet Argent
Dapliyan coffee (Southern Sagada, Mt. Province) - Gourmet Bronze
Heirloom Barako (Batangas Province) - Gourmet Medal
Sultan Coffee (Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat) - Gourmet Medal

During the awarding ceremony, AVPA Representative exclaimed “And now the Philippines is sending us some very very beautiful coffee!” Minister Noemi Diaz represented the coffee farms and proudly accepted the awards on their behalf.

Minister Noemi Diaz receives the AVPA awards for SGD Coffee (Mt. Province), Dapliyan Coffee (Mt. Province), Heirloom Barako (Batangas) and Sultan Coffee (Sultan Kudarat)

Minister Noemi Diaz is joined by fellow AVPA awardees from other countries.