Philippines-Singapore diplomatic ties marked by the “HERSTORY” art exhibit and commemorative luncheon at the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel.
SINGAPORE, 16 May 2024 – The Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Singapore today celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations. To commemorate this enduring friendship, His Excellency Medardo G. Macaraig, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, hosted a special viewing of the “HERSTORY” Art Exhibit by Filipino artist Jef Albea, followed by a commemorative luncheon. The events were held at the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel and attended by esteemed guests from the Singapore government, the diplomatic community, and the Embassy’s institutional partners, honoring the longstanding ties and mutual cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore.
The “HERSTORY” Art Exhibit, presented by Pan Pacific Hotel and Altierra Solutions, will remain open to the public until 30 May 2024. It showcases a visual tapestry of womanhood, weaving together themes of family, career, nature, religion, life, beauty, and love. Using mixed media, such as manipulated fabric on hardwood frames, Jef Albea creates 3D artwork that embodies a woman’s strength, beauty, and resilience. Albea’s works have been recognized globally, with exhibitions at the Paris Art Fair, Paris Fashion Week, New York Manhattan Show, Thailand Fashion Week, New York Art Fair 2023, Milan Design Week 2023, and the sold-out “Beyond The Veil” Exhibit at Pullman Hotel in Doha, Qatar.
During the luncheon, Ambassador Macaraig and Mr. Loy Hui Chien, Director-General of the Southeast Asia II Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, delivered toast remarks. They highlighted the significance of the Philippines-Singapore relationship and expressed optimism for its continued growth and prosperity. Ambassador Macaraig emphasized Singapore’s role as one of the Philippines’ foremost trade and investment allies, noting that in 2023, Singapore was the Philippines’ 8th largest trading partner, 6th largest export destination, and 7th largest source of imports. Singapore also ranked 1st among ASEAN countries for inbound tourism to the Philippines in 2023.
A notable presence at the event was Undersecretary Antonio A. Morales of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, who served as Philippine Ambassador to Singapore from 2014 to 2017. Undersecretary Morales reminisced about his tenure in Singapore, reflecting on several historic moments and milestones. The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony led by Ambassador Macaraig, Director-General Loy, and Undersecretary Morales, featuring a cake bearing the commemorative logo of the 55th anniversary of Philippines-Singapore diplomatic relations.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
