Photo Credit: Andrew Work
On 8 June, a gala took place at the Conrad Hotel in commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence, celebrating its independence from colonial Spain.
Consul General Bernardita Catalla made her last Hong Kong address at the event, where she thanked the Hong Kong government for safely hosting the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, for a recent two-day visit in May prior to his visit in Beijing for the “Belt and Road” summit. She also thanked the Labour and Welfare Bureau for its helpful role in organising the Philippines Independence Day events. Stephen Sui Wai-Keung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, was also present at the event.
Matthew Cheung, Chief Secretary for Administration, Guest of Honour of the night, made a speech welcoming the Philippines to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Silk Road family. The OBOR initiative is a project that aims to build massive infrastructure mostly around transport and energy, with nearly 70 countries and international organisations signed up, according to president Xi Jinping at the “Belt and Road” summit. He also took the time during his speech to honour the Consul General as a friend and “superconnector” to HK.
Aside from the speeches, the event also had performances by Filipino groups in traditional dress.
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