PR-053-2024
SINGAPORE 16 May 2024 – The Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Singapore celebrate 55 years of Philippines-Singapore diplomatic relations today.
In commemoration of the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Singapore, His Excellency Medardo G. Macaraig, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, hosted a special viewing of “HERSTORY” Art Exhibit by Filipino Artist Jef Albea, followed by a special luncheon today, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The events, held at the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel, brought together esteemed guests from the Singapore government, diplomatic community and the Embassy’s institutional partners to honor the longstanding ties and mutual cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore.
“HERSTORY” Art Exhibit by Filipino Artist Jef Albea will remain open to the public until 30 May 2024. The Philippine Embassy encourages everyone to visit the Art Exhibit presented by Pan Pacific Hotel and Altierra Solutions, which showcase a visual tapestry of womanhood, weaving together the threads 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.
Jef’s artworks have been recognized and sought after worldwide, exhibiting masterpieces to international collectors at the Paris Art Fair, Paris Fashion Week, New York Manhattan Show, and Thailand Fashion Week, New York Art Fair 2023, Milan Design Week 2023, and the recently concluded 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, highlighting the significance of the Philippines-Singapore relationship and expressing optimism for its continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.
In his remarks, Ambassador Macaraig shared that the Philippines regards Singapore as one of the Philippines’ foremost trade and investment allies. In 2023, it held firm as our 8th largest trading partner, the Philippines’ 6th largest export destination and 7th largest source of imports. In terms of tourism, Singapore ranked 1st among ASEAN countries for the Philippines’ source of inbound tourism 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. In his message, Undersecretary Morales reminisced about his time in Singapore, where he witnessed several historic moments that marked significant milestones in the country’s journey.
After delivering their remarks for the occasion, Ambassador Macaraig, Director-General Loy and Undersecretary Morales led the cake-cutting ceremony, featuring a cake bearing the Philippines-Singapore 55th anniversary commemorative logo.(END)
