BANGKOK, 12 JUNE 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Thailand celebrated the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence at the Siam Kempinski Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, on 12 June 2025, with the theme, “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” (Freedom, Future, History), to honour the country’s forefathers, who fought for the freedom of the Philippines, and the everyday Filipino heroes who continue to shape the nation's path toward a brighter future.
A moment from Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes' opening remarks, as she addresses attendees during the national day celebration of the Philippines.
Philippine Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Millicent Cruz Paredes opened the reception, underscoring that “Nation-building is not a task confined to the past, but a continuing journey that every Filipino should contribute to.”
Around 700 guests, including senior Thai government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and UN officials, Thai guests, business leaders, as well as members of the Filipino community from all over Thailand, attended the gathering.
Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States in Thailand and H.E. Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Guest of Honour (fourth from the right), pose for a group photo.
In her speech, Ambassador Paredes emphasised the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Thailand. “To our friends and partners in the Royal Thai Government and all the Thai people, I express our gratitude and appreciation for your warm friendship and support that goes beyond the 76 years of diplomatic relations,” she remarked.
The Embassy welcomed H.E. Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, as the Guest of Honour and representative of the Foreign Minister of Thailand. Her presence underscored the deep-rooted ties and enduring friendship between the two countries.
The celebration showcased the rich cultural heritage and talent of the Filipino people through captivating music, dance, and visual arts.
The soprano duo, the Nightingales, regaled audiences with powerful renditions of Yanni’s Aria and a medley of Philippine folk songs, accompanied by virtuoso violinist Bryan Cimafranca, who performed Tico Tico, a lively Brazilian Choro song.
The Nightingales perform under the Philippine Madrigal Singers Company of Artists, and sing a wide repertoire of opera arias, Broadway classics, Filipino folksongs, and popular music.
The all-male cappella quintet Voyz Hymns showcased their talent in performing Handog, Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko, and other Filipino classic favourites.
Musician Venice Valdez and accompanying saxophonist Narinat Pakirana serenaded guests with their performance of Ako ay Pilipino and crowd-pleasing pop songs that lasted until the end of the evening.
Talented Filipino teachers in Thailand also showcased traditional Filipino dances such as tinikling, maglalatik, and sayaw sa bangko, to the delight of audiences.
Guests were also invited to explore a captivating exhibition of artworks by talented Filipino artists. Curated by ArtShow Philippines, the collection served as a vibrant testament to the creativity and diverse range of styles and themes of Philippine art, from abstracts to depictions of Filipino life and landscapes.
A sumptuous spread of authentic Filipino dishes took the guests on a culinary journey featuring beloved classics such as the smoky and savoury chicken inasal, the rich and tangy adobo, crispy lumpia, the refreshingly sweet halo-halo, kakanin, taho, and other Filipino delicacies.
In celebration of the anniversary of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Thailand on June 14, a significant date that coincides with World Blood Donor Day, Ambassador Paredes renewed her annual call for all Filipinos across Thailand to donate blood at their local Thai Red Cross centres, as a way of expressing appreciation to the country that they now regard as their second home.
The Embassy acknowledged the assistance of partners such as Philippine Airlines, Western Union, Lola’s Kitchen at Arck Hotel, San Miguel, Thai Liwayway, URC Thailand, Charoen Pokphand Foods, and ThaiBev.