The Philippine Embassy in Dhaka, under the leadership of Her Excellency Nina P. Cainglet, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Bangladesh, hosted a festive National Day Reception on Thursday (19 June 2025) at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel to commemorate the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
The diplomatic celebration gathered distinguished officials and guests from the government of Bangladesh, diplomatic corps, business community, religious institutions, academe, media, and members of the Filipino community.
The Honorable Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered a message affirming the deepening cultural and diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Bangladesh.
He highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries, recalling that the Philippines was one of the first nations to recognize Bangladesh after its independence in 1971. He also emphasized the shared cultural values of storytelling, music, and cinema, and celebrated a recent Bangladeshi-Philippine co-production that earned special recognition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The Honorable Adviser underscored the potential for greater government-to-government cooperation in the creative industries, particularly in film and music.
In her keynote address, Ambassador Nina P. Cainglet paid tribute to the bravery and ideals of Filipino heroes who ignited the country’s path to freedom on 12 June 1898. She highlighted the Philippines’ continued commitment to security and stability, sustainable development and inclusive growth, notably the President’s Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and “AmBisyon Natin 2040”, which aims to uplift millions of Filipinos and transform the nation into a predominantly middle-class society with no one living in poverty by 2040.
The Ambassador also shared the country’s priorities in regional cooperation under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and global advocacy on key issues, such as seafarers’ rights, environmental conservation, and women’s participation in peace and security.
Ambassador Cainglet welcomed the friendship and bilateral relations between the Philippines and Bangladesh over the last five decades of diplomatic ties, and the growing economic cooperation in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, and in tourism flows. She also acknowledged the contributions of the Filipino community in Bangladesh in strengthening people-to-people ties, particularly in sectors such as garments, education, hospitality, and health care.
The evening’s program featured cultural performances that showcased Filipino talent and heritage. Headlining the event was The Nightingales, an internationally acclaimed soprano duo from the Philippines, whose captivating renditions of Filipino folk and contemporary songs received standing ovations. The duo’s surprise and well-received performance of a beloved Bangladeshi song symbolized the enduring friendship and cultural kinship between the two nations. The cultural segment also featured a presentation of the Singkil, a traditional Maranao royal dance performed by members of the Filipino community in Bangladesh, celebrating the fusion of Filipino pride and diasporic resilience.
Guests were treated to a buffet of Filipino culinary favorites, offering a taste of the Philippines’ rich gastronomic heritage. Filipino products, including handwoven textiles, native and contemporary Philippine jewelry, organic drinks, and wellness items, were displayed at a mini-exhibit to promote trade and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Cainglet presented tokens of appreciation to Chief Guest Adviser Farooki, including a copy of Inabel: Philippine Textile from the Ilocos Region, a coffee table book celebrating indigenous weaving traditions, and a handcrafted Banwa Pen made of native Philippine native wood, symbolizing Filipino creativity and rural heritage.
The Embassy extended its gratitude to its valued partners, including the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Sentro Rizal, Philippine Honorary Consul General Mohammed Awwal and Honorary Consul Abdulla Salih for their enduring support; the Bangladesh-Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BPCCI); and the Filipino community whose participation made the evening a true celebration of freedom, heritage, and friendship.
The evening powerfully echoed Ambassador Cainglet’s message that: “At the end of the day, we share the same hope, and we share the same dreams”—a reminder that the true strength of diplomacy lies in our shared aspirations for peace, progress, and the enduring friendship between nations.
