PRESS RELEASE
PR-071-2023
(5 May, 2023, Singapore) Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig, together with Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr, PN, Flag Officer In Command of the Philippine Navy, hosted a reception on board BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), the Philippines’ most advanced, multi-capable frigate on 4 May 2023 at the Changi Naval Base in Singapore.
BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) is in Singapore as a participating vessel in the Asian Warships Display of the 13th International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) Asia held from 3 to 5 May 2023, as well as in the inaugural ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, which runs from 2 to 8 May 2023.
Held at the vessel’s deck, the reception was attended by members of the diplomatic community, senior officers of the Singapore Navy, defense and armed forces corps in Singapore and personnel of the Philippine Embassy.
In his remarks, Ambassador Macaraig expressed that BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) is a source of pride not just for the Philippine Navy, but also to Filipinos all over the world. He also said that its visit to Singapore is significant as it was the first visit of a Philippine Navy ship post-pandemic, and that its visit takes place ahead of the 54th anniversary of Philippines-Singapore diplomatic relations on 16 May 2023. He also thanked Vice Admiral Adaci and the officers and crew of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), led by Commanding Officer, Captain Charles Villanueva.
Reception guests were treated to vast array of Filipino food choices such as bangus sisig, kinilaw na isda, pansit, roasted chicken, street food such as balut, kwek-kwek, chicharon, and native desserts including turon, palitaw, kutsinta and puto. A mobile bar for Filipino-inspired cocktails and drinks was also a hit among the guests. They were also thrilled to watch a performance of the Tinikling dance by the vessel crew.
Prior to the reception, close to eighty (80) members of the Filipino community in Singapore had the rare opportunity to visit and tour BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) during the Open Ship. (END).
