Embassy News
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.
"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.
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
SAINT OUEN-SUR SEINE COMMUNE PRAISES FILIPINO BAYANIHAN SPIRIT
![](/images/2024PraisingtheFilCom/1BayahihanSpirit.jpg)
Praising the FIlipino community at the Mairie of St. Ouen Sur Seine (L-R): Philippine Police Attache Colonel Rodolfo Castro Jr., Mayor Karim Bouamran, Chargé d’affaires Eric Tamayo, Senator Phillipe Dallier, and Deputy Mayor Emna Sghaïer.
SAINT OUEN-SUR SEINE COMMUNE PRAISES FILIPINO BAYANIHAN SPIRIT
Officials of the commune of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine praised the Filipino community in the city, which forms part of the Métropole du Grand Paris, for their civic spirit and contribution to French society in a gathering before the Christmas holidays on 22 December 2023 at the Mairie of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine.
St. Ouen-sur-seine's dynamic Mayor Karim Bouamran, who also serves as Vice-President of the Departmental Council responsible for culture, praised the resident Filipino community’s contributions, particularly the efforts of Ms. Vivian Palma and her Share-a-Bread movement. Joining Mayor Bouamran in praise of the community was Deputy Mayor Emna Sghaïer - the 13th Deputy Delegate for Community Life, Veterans, Memory and Cemeteries, and newly elected Senator Philippe Dallier, representing Seine-Saint-Denis in the Île-de-France region. Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Eric Tamayo and Police Attaché Colonel Rodolfo Castro Jr. joined the tribute to the positive impact of migrant FIlipinos in France. The City and Embassy officials both expressed interest in pursuing twinning arrangements with a city in the Philippines.
Vivian Palma, a prominent figure in the community charity scene, has dedicated her life to alleviating hunger and providing support to those in need. Her steadfast commitment to making a difference has led to the establishment and success of the Share a Bread Foundation, which extends vital help to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
The Share a Bread Foundation has been instrumental in addressing the pressing issue of hunger through food drives, community meals, and partnerships with local businesses, thus making a tangible impact on the lives of those less fortunate, the elderly and retirees regardless of ethnicity.
The gathering hosted by St. Ouen-sur-seine's Mayor celebrates the outstanding work of Vivian Palma and the Share a Bread Foundation, encourages further collaboration and support for essential causes, and highlights the positive contribution of the Filipino community’s Bayanihan spirit in France.
END
- Monday, 20 January 2025 Artipelago: Philippine Designs unveiled at Paris’ Maison et Objet 2025
- Thursday, 16 January 2025 Dive Philippines: PH Pavilion Features Top Diving Destinations in Paris’ Salon International de La Plongée
- Wednesday, 15 January 2025 Unang Simbang Gabi sa Paris: Filipinos congregate to kickstart 2024 Christmas tradition
- Wednesday, 15 January 2025 DOST and Philippine Embassy in Paris hold Balik Scientist Webinar for Filipino Sci-Tech Community in France
- Wednesday, 15 January 2025 PH Embassy & FilCom commemorate 128th anniversary of Rizal martyrdom
- Wednesday, 15 January 2025 Semaine des Philippines: Celebrating rekindled Paris-Manila connectivity
- Thursday, 07 November 2024 AVPA Coffee Awards 2024
- Wednesday, 06 November 2024 Consular Outreach in Nice, France