GOVPH

The 163rd Rizal Birth Anniversary

RIZAL IN PARIS: CELEBRATING THE BIRTH & LIFE OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL HERO
23 June 2024

In commemoration of the 163rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, Paris-based Rizal groups, along with the Philippine Embassy in France, conducted on 23 June 2024 a solemn ceremony before his bust at

Place Jose Rizal in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The said date also aligns with the 2nd anniversary of the inauguration of the bust, the first and only statue of a Filipino figure in a public space in France. 

Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West joins the celebration of Paris-based Rizal groups at Place Jose Rizal.

Groups such as the Knights of Rizal Paris Chapter, Dimasalang Île de France Chapter, Elias Paris Chapter, Kababaihang Rizalista Inc., Ladies of Rizal International, and Las Damas de Rizal, gathered to deliver their messages in honor of the national hero. Philippine Ambassador to France, H.E. Junever Mahilum-West, also graced the event and partook in the wreath-laying ceremony. The Ambassador enjoined the groups to continue inspiring fellow Filipinos to uplift the image of the Philippines and Filipino society  as a nation and continue Dr. Jose Rizal’s legacy of love for the country. 

Mr. Catalino Oabel, Jr., Area Commander of the Knights of Rizal, welcomed attendees to the ceremony   

The Ambassador also thanked the Rizalist community for their unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity and upkeep of the national hero’s historical marker, which symbolizes the Filipino heritage in France. The Embassy continues its coordination efforts with the Mairie of Paris to ensure that any transgressions against the bust are duly reported and addressed.

A wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at Dr. Jose Rizal’s bust in honor of his 163rd birth anniversary and the 2nd anniversary of the marker’s inauguration. Attendees sang patriotic songs such as Bayan Ko and Pilipinas Kong Mahal during the wreath-laying ceremony. A brunch followed the ceremony in a nearby café where the groups discussed future programs and initiatives with the Philippine Embassy.  

END. 

DR. RAUL SUNICO, FILIPINO MASTER OF CLASSICAL MUSIC, PERFORMS IN MONACO

In celebration of the 126th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, the Honorary Consulate of the Philippines in Monaco led by Consul General David Zuellig, a.h., held a piano concert by Dr. Raul Sunico at the Salle Garnier of the prestigious Opera de Monte-Carlo.

Dr. Raul Sunico's piano performance at Opera de Monte-Carlo in Monaco captivates the crowd. 

The concert showcased Dr. Sunico’s masterful skills in classical music with his repertoire ranging from Filipino pieces with his own arrangement to composers such as Chopin, Ravel, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and more.

Consul General David Zuellig, a.h. welcomes H.E. Junever Mahilum-West and guests during Dr. Sunico’s performance. 

Her Excellency Junever Mahilum-west, Philippine Ambassador to France and to Monaco, graced the occasion hosted by Consul General Zuellig, along with dignitaries from the Monegasque government, the diplomatic and consular corps, and the members of the Filipino community from in the South of France.
 

H.E. Junever Mahilum-West, Philippine Ambassador to France and to Monaco with members of the Filipino community.

Photo Courtesy: Philippine Consulate General in Monaco, a.h. END

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"Feature: Radikals in Cannes 63rd Semaine de la Critique"

RADIKALS’ IN PARIS: FILIPINO SHORTFILM IN CANNES’ SEMAINE DE LA CRITIQUE

The Philippine Embassy in Paris received Radikals’ Cannes delegation in a courtesy call with Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West on 27 May 2024. Radikals is among the ten selected short films to compete for the Semaine de la Critique (Critic’s Week) at the Canne Film Festival in France. 

Radikals Cannes delegation with the Philippine Ambassador to France. 

Film director Arvin Belarmino, screenwriter Danelle Romero, and producers Kristine De Leon, Adnan Al Rajeev, and Tanveer Hossain discussed their recent experience of representing the Philippines at Cannes and opportunities to expand the recognition of Filipino films on the global stage. The team also elaborated on the themes of the film as it explores a unique subculture in the Philippines.

Radikals Cannes delegation discussed insights with the Philippine Ambassador to France.

Radikals features a unique traditional dance called bakte originating from Imus, Cavite. It portrays the use of dance as an art that connects eccentric minds. The plot follows a newbie from an eccentric dance group who faces a heckler after being the worst dancer at a performance. It then leads to a series of strange events that reveal what the group does to their weakest link.

This year, the Philippines is represented at Cannes by several films. Arvin Belarmino also co-directed with Lomorpich Rithy Silig which is among the 2024 shorts in the Directors' Factory at the Cannes Film Festival. Significantly, the prestigious festival also showcased this year the restored version of Lino Brocka’s 1980 masterpiece Bona which premiered at Cannes 43 years ago, starring National Artist for Film Nora Aunor. 

END.