18 June 2019 – Ambassador Denis Yap Lepatan hosted a diplomatic reception to commemorate the 121^st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

In his remarks, Ambassador Lepatan noted that the Philippines celebrates 12 June 1898 as its national day “as it was a watershed in Philippine history when the Filipino people proclaimed their will to be free and independent as a nation. That will never waver despite the devastation and deprivation that the country and its people suffered during the country’s darkest period, including three wars for national liberation.”

Ambassador Lepatan also noted that the 2019 Independence Day theme, which is “Tapang ng bayan, malasakit sa mamamayan”, is “representative of the determination of the government to create an environment that will give true meaning to our independence through a secure, stable and prosperous society.”

Ambassador Denis Yap Lepatan delivers his national day remarks during the Independence Day diplomatic reception.

Around one hundred thirty (130) guests from the Diplomatic Corps, Swiss government, business community, the academe, and other friends of the Embassy joined the latter during the reception.

The reception followed the well-received concert of renowned pianist Dr. Raul Sunico, who entertained the participants with a repertoire of piano pieces, including Philippine classics Bato sa Buhangin, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan and Kumintang.

Guests of the reception enjoyed a sampling of Philippine food such as adobo, sinigang, kaldereta, pancit, lugaw and leche flan prepared by known Swiss-Filipino Chef, Mr. Domingo Domingo of Mille Sens, and Philippine liqueurs such as mango rum, and calamansi, dalandan and cacao liqueurs.

Ambassador Lepatan (in Barong Tagalog with his back behind the camera) and Dr. Raul Sunico to his left join other guests during the Independence Day diplomatic reception.

                 Philippine dishes lugaw and pancit, and liqueurs such mango rhum and kalamansi liquer were featured during the diplomatic reception. Also served were dinuguan, kaldereta, and sinigang, adobo, and leche

                flan (not in the photos).

Ambassador Lepatan (4^th from right), Madame Maria Teresa Lepatan (6^th from left) pose with Dr. Raul Sunico (5^th from right), Chef Domingo Domingo (6^th from right) and the Embassy

Team for a souvenir photo after the reception.